Woodward's Batis

The Woodward's batis, also known as the Zululand batis (Batis fratrum), is a diminutive avian species belonging to the wattle-eyes family, Platysteiridae. This sprightly bird, measuring a mere 10.5 cm in length and weighing between 10.3 and 13.8 grams, is reminiscent of a flycatcher in its active demeanor. Exhibiting the characteristic patterns and plumage of the Batis genus, it is adorned with a blue-grey back, a striking black facial mask, and an orange-red eye. The tail is a glossy black, with white-edged outer feathers and white tips on all but the central pair.

Identification Tips

Males and females of the species are sexually dimorphic. The male boasts a white wing strip, chin, and throat, with a pale rufous breast and upper belly. In contrast, the female displays a more olive-grey upper body, a pale reddish-brown wing stripe, and similarly colored underparts. Juveniles resemble the female but have a less distinct facial mask. Both sexes have black bills and legs, aiding in their identification.

Habitat

The Woodward's batis shows a preference for lowland and evergreen forests, as well as dense acacia woodlands. It is also found in sand forests, riparian forests, and miombo woodlands, demonstrating its adaptability to various forested environments.

Distribution

This species is endemic to southeastern Africa, with its range stretching from the northeastern reaches of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, through coastal northern Mozambique and southern Malawi, and into the remnant forests of southeastern Zimbabwe. In Malawi, it can be found at elevations up to 600 meters.

Behaviour

The Woodward's batis is a tireless forager, actively seeking insect prey throughout the day. It employs a technique of gleaning insects from twigs, leaves, and branches, often while hovering, to capture its meals.

Breeding

The nest of the Woodward's batis is a loosely constructed shallow cup, woven from rootlets, tendrils, fragments of dead leaves, and occasionally lichen, all held together with spider web strands. In a departure from the norm for its genus, the nest is typically placed amongst creepers or leaves rather than in a tree fork. The breeding season sees the laying of 1 to 3 eggs from October to November, with the incubation duties likely falling solely to the female, as is common among batis species.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Woodward's batis as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers or habitats that would warrant a higher level of concern.