The yellow-breasted apalis is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae.
Region
East and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal Kenya and Tanzania south through Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and into northeastern South Africa. Favours coastal and riverine thickets, miombo and acacia woodlands, forest edges, and dense scrub. Common in secondary growth and along woodland margins where shrubs and lianas provide cover. Generally absent from open grasslands and dense closed-canopy forest interiors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively cisticolid, the yellow-breasted apalis often travels in pairs and is known for antiphonal duet singing between mates. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks in woodland edges and thickets, flicking its tail to reveal white outer tail feathers. The species forages actively in the mid to lower canopy, gleaning tiny insects from leaves and twigs.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and often associates with mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate frequently with contact calls and duets. Nests are usually neat, pendulous or cup-like structures hidden in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of high-pitched chips and trills, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Calls are sharp, scolding notes that carry well through thickets.
Plumage
Bright yellow underparts with grey head and nape, olive to greenish-olive back and wings, and contrasting white outer tail feathers often flashed by tail flicks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch flushed insects. May take tiny berries opportunistically but remains predominantly insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy of thickets, forest edges, and wooded scrub. Frequently works along dense hedges, riverine tangles, and vine-laden woodland margins.
