African Broadbill

The African broadbill, known scientifically as Smithornis capensis, is a small, stout bird resembling a flycatcher. It is characterized by its bold streaks and brown plumage. Males of the eastern subspecies boast a black crown, while females have a grey one. The subspecies S.c. meinertzhageni features a blackish crown in both sexes. Olive-brown upperparts with black streaks and buff or creamy-white underparts with black streaks on the flanks and breast are typical. The bird's length ranges from 12 to 14 cm, with males in South Africa weighing between 21 and 26.9 grams and females between 17.4 and 27.5 grams.

Identification Tips

Look for the African broadbill's distinctive streaked appearance and stocky build. The males' black crown and the females' grey crown in the eastern subspecies are key identification markers. The white bases of the feathers on the lower back and rump, which are usually hidden, can be seen when the bird puffs out its back during display flights.

Habitat

This species favors the middle stratum of evergreen or lowland forests, dense deciduous thickets, and other dense woodlands, including riverine gallery forests.

Distribution

The African broadbill is native to Africa, particularly the southeastern region. It has two separate allopatric distributions: one in coastal West Africa, extending from Sierra Leone to the Central African Republic, and south to Gabon and northern Congo; the other spans southern and eastern Africa from Kenya to KwaZulu Natal.

Behaviour

The African broadbill is often difficult to spot due to its preference for dense habitats and its tendency to remain still for extended periods. It perches upright on low branches, calling infrequently. It feeds on invertebrates, foraging on the ground, in trees, and occasionally catching them in flight. Both sexes engage in a unique display flight, circling around a perch and emitting a distinctive car horn-like call.

Song & Calls

The bird's call is a loud, vibrating "Prrrrup," reminiscent of an old-fashioned car horn, typically produced during display flights. It may also emit softer "tui-tui-tui" calls. The calls are produced by the vibration of the wings during flight, specifically by the sixth and seventh primary feathers.

Breeding

The African broadbill's nest is an oval structure with a side entrance, constructed from various materials including bark and spider web, and suspended from a low branch. Egg-laying dates vary by region, generally occurring from October to January. Clutch size ranges from 1-3 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for 16-17 days, while the male guards the nest and provides food to the young.

Similar Species

There are no specific similar species mentioned, but when birdwatching, always consider the possibility of encountering similar-looking species and use other identification tips to confirm your sighting.

Diet and Feeding

The African broadbill's diet consists exclusively of invertebrates such as beetles, grasshoppers, Hemiptera, caterpillars, and spiders. It employs various foraging techniques, including ground foraging, searching through trees, and hawking prey in flight.

Conservation status

The African broadbill is classified as Least Concern due to its large range and commonality in several regions. However, it is locally vulnerable in southern Africa due to habitat fragmentation and loss.