Chinspot Batis

CHINSPOT BATIS

Batis molitor

afrikaans: Witliesbosbontrokkie

13 cm; 12 g

Description:

The common batis across moist savanna, narrowly overlapping with Pririt Batis in the west and Pale Batis in the east. Male distinguished from male Pririt Batis by its white (not dark-mottled) flanks and from male Pale Batis by its broader breast band and plain grey (not mottled) back. Female distinguished from female Pale Batis by its mottled back. The call-notes of the 3 species are quite different. Juv. like female, but upperparts spotted buff and wingbars buffy.

Voice:-

Male song is 3 clear, descending whistles, ‘teuu-teuu-teuu’ (‘three blind mice’); female gives harsh ‘chrr-chrr’ notes.

Status and biology:

Common resident in broadleafed woodland and acacia savanna.