The yellow-bellied eremomela is an Old World warbler. However, the taxonomy of the "African warblers", an assemblage of usually species-poor and apparently rather ancient "odd warblers" from Africa is currently in a state of flux. Today, most taxonomists consider members in this genus members of the family Cisticolidae.
Region
Southern and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across dry savannas and open woodlands from Angola and southern DR Congo through Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and northern South Africa. It favors thornveld, acacia and mopane woodland, and scrubby bush, especially along edges and riparian thickets. Dense closed forest and treeless plains are generally avoided. It adapts well to lightly degraded or patchy habitats where shrubs are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, restless Old World warbler of the family Cisticolidae, it is often seen flicking its tail as it forages through thorny scrub. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks, moving rapidly through foliage to glean small insects. The species’ taxonomy was long debated among the “African warblers,” but it is now widely placed with cisticolas and allies. Its bright yellow underparts and undertail make it easy to pick out in sunlit savanna.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties, often joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs are likely monogamous and build small, well-concealed cup nests in shrubs or low trees. They maintain small territories but range widely while feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, high-pitched series of tinkling trills and chirps delivered in short bursts. Calls include sharp chips and thin tseet notes exchanged constantly as birds move through foliage.
Plumage
Upperparts olive-green with a paler grayish head and whitish throat; underparts bright yellow, especially the belly and undertail coverts. Rump and vent show vivid yellow tones, with clean, smooth-textured feathers. Subtle pale supercilium may be evident, and wings are darker with faint edging.
Diet
Primarily eats small insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and other larvae, as well as spiders and small arthropods. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and may hover briefly to snatch items from the outer canopy. Occasional sallying flights catch flushed insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper levels of acacia and mopane woodland, thorny scrub, and along bushy edges. Also forages in riparian thickets and around scattered trees in open savanna.
