Dark Batis

The dark batis, a diminutive avian species, measures approximately 10 cm in length and tips the scales at a modest 10 to 15 grams. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with a stark black breastband contrasting its white underparts, while its upperparts are cloaked in a dark grey, interspersed with black-tipped feathers. A black face-mask and wings, highlighted by a white stripe, complete its attire. The female, on the other hand, sports a greyish crown and a brownish back, with a dark mask and a subtle white supercilium. Her wings are marked by a narrow rufous stripe, and her underparts feature a rufous chin-spot and breast, with whitish feather tips lending a speckled appearance.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the dark batis from its close relative, the forest batis, observe the tail length; the dark batis has a marginally longer tail. Male dark batises lack the white supercilium present in forest batises and have a broader breastband. Female dark batises can be recognized by their rufous chin and breast, as opposed to the paler, more mottled breast of female forest batises, which also display a conspicuous white supercilium and a broader rufous wing-stripe.

Habitat

The dark batis is a denizen of the evergreen forests, flourishing at altitudes ranging from 540 to 2,140 meters above sea level, with a preference for elevations around 1,500 meters.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of East Africa, with its range extending from the Ukaguru and Uluguru Mountains in central Tanzania to the Misuku Hills in northern Malawi and the Njesi Highlands in northern Mozambique.

Behaviour

The dark batis is an active forager, predominantly scouring the lower and middle strata of the forest canopy in pursuit of its insect prey.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the dark batis includes a medley of whistling and harsh churring calls. In flight, its wings produce a distinctive whirring sound. The male serenades with a sequence of short, low whistles.

Diet and Feeding

Insects, particularly termites, comprise the bulk of the dark batis's diet, which it adeptly captures amidst the foliage.

Conservation Status

The dark batis is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.