The yellow-throated apalis is a passerine bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is endemic to Malawi. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the bar-throated apalis.
Region
Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Restricted to montane evergreen and mist-belt forests, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth in southern Malawi. It favors dense thickets, vine tangles, and the mid-story where it can glean prey from leaves and twigs. The species also uses regenerating scrub and forest patches near tea estates when cover is sufficient. Fragmentation limits movement between suitable habitat blocks, making local populations isolated.
Altitude Range
1200–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small warbler is confined to a few montane forest patches in southern Malawi, notably on Mount Mulanje and the Zomba Plateau. Pairs often perform coordinated duets, with crisp, high-pitched notes that carry through forest edges. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the bar-throated apalis but is now recognized as a distinct species. Ongoing habitat loss and degradation in its tiny range pose significant threats.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between shrubs and canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in montane forest. Pairs are likely monogamous and maintain small territories year-round. Nests are typically neat, cup-like structures placed in dense vegetation, where both adults attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sharp, high-pitched series of thin notes and trills, often delivered as antiphonal duets between mates. Calls include quick tsip and tsee notes used for contact within dense cover.
Plumage
Compact apalis with a bright yellow throat and upper breast, gray head and nape, and olive-green upperparts. The underparts fade to whitish on the belly with olive or gray flanks. Tail shows white outer feathers contrasting with darker central feathers. Fine, sleek plumage suited to dense foliage.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, often hanging briefly to reach the undersides of foliage. Occasional sallying to snatch flying insects may occur in sunny gaps. It may rarely take small berries when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory to mid-canopy of montane forest and at well-vegetated edges. Also uses secondary growth, vine tangles, and bracken patches where cover is dense. Often forages in mixed-species flocks for increased efficiency and vigilance.
