YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS

YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS

Apalis flavida

afrikaans: Geelborskleinjantjie

Image

12 cm; 8 g

Description

The only apalis with a bright yellow breast and no breast band. Males of northern races have a small, black bar beneath the centre of the yellow breast. Crown grey, contrasting with olive-green back. Female duller; lacks black breast bar. Juv. like female, with a greenish crown and a paler yellow breast.

Voice

Male song is a fast, buzzy ‘chirip chirip chirip…’ or ‘kri-krrik kri-krrik, kri-krrik…’; female responds with a series of strident shrieks, ‘jee jee jee’.

Status and biology

Common resident of moist woodland and riparian forest, but absent from montane forest. Often forages in tree canopies alongside white-eyes, hyliotas and other small warblers.