Chestnut-vented Warbler (Tit-Babbler)
Sylvia subcaerulea
Woodland. Greyish bird with well-streaked breast, pale eyes and rufous vent.
Allies, Warblers
LC
Near Endemic
Description
Common, near-endemic resident. Easily identified by pale eye and heavily spotted throat. Told from [Layard’s Warbler] by chestnut vent. Immature resembles adult. Calls frequently, a variety of clear, ringing, quickly rendered notes, typically ‘cheriktiktik’ or ‘chuu-ti chuu-ti chuu-chuu’. Also an accomplished mimic of other bird calls. Occurs in thickets in any woodland, mixed bushveld or thornveld. Habits very similar to those of [Layard’s Warbler]. One of the standard members of bird parties in bushveld and Kalahari environments, but does not occur in the Lowveld.
Quick Facts
Size
15 cm - S
Names
A: Bosveldtjeriktik
Z: ihlekehleke
Ss: Pharalanku-Tonofubedu
G: Meisensänger
Bird Family
Small, insectivorous birds of mostly sombre colouring. Many have attractive warbling songs and short calls that aid identification to the practised ear, but sound confusingly similar to the inexperienced. Several species visit southern Africa from Europe during summer. Sexes are alike.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Occurs in thickets in any woodland, mixed bushveld or thornveld. One of the standard members of bird parties in bushveld and Kalahari environments, but does not occur in the Lowveld.
