African Yellow Warbler

Fairly common resident. Differs from the yellow weavers, which are often found in the same habitat, in more slender bill and longer tail. Female is duller yellow; immature orange-yellow, the wing edges, rump and tail more buff. Cf. also [Icterine Warbler], which has blue-grey (not blackish) legs and frequents drier habitats. The song is ‘trrp-trrp-chiri-chiri-chiri-chiri’, rendered quickly and frequently repeated. Occurs singly or in pairs near water in reeds or other tall, rank cover, or away from water in bracken-briar patches of highveld valleys and forest fringes. Present in lower-lying localities during winter. Its habits are typical of the reed-warblers: secretive, but ascends some vertical stem occasionally to perch conspicuously, especially when singing.