- Apalis chirindensis
Identification
Length 13 cm, mass 7-11 g.
A plain grey warbler with a long, narrow tail and brown to orange-brown eyes. Under parts paler than upper parts.
Distribution
Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Taxonomy
There are 2 subspecies:[1]
- A. c. vumbae
- Northern part of eastern highlands of Zimbabwe
- A. c. chirindensis
- Southern part of eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, adjacent highlands in Mozambique and Mt. Gorongoza (Mozambique)
Habitat
Montane and mid-altitude moist forests. Also lowland forests in winter.
Behaviour
Forages in pairs or small family groups (3-5 birds); joins mixed-species flocks. Eats insects gleaned in the forest canopy.
Breeding
Territorial and probably monogamous. The domed nest has a side-top entrance and is built on a branch in the lower canopy of the forest (about 20 m above the ground), using a variety of plant material.
References
- Hockey, PAR, WRJ Dean, and PG Ryan, eds. 2005. Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa. 7th ed. Cape Town: John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. ISBN 978-0620340533
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Chirinda Apalis. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 4 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Chirinda_Apalis
