Yellow-throated Longclaw

The Yellow-throated Longclaw, Macronyx croceus, presents a striking figure with its vibrant yellow throat and breast, contrasting sharply against its brown upperparts. This bird, a member of the Motacillidae family, is easily recognized by its long hind claws and the vivid coloration that adorns its throat.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Yellow-throated Longclaw, look for the distinctive yellow and black "V" on its chest, which sets it apart from other species. Its long tail, often wagged up and down, and the elongated hind claws are also key characteristics to note.

Habitat

This species is most commonly found in the dry savannas, as well as subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grasslands. It also frequents sandy shores, where it can be seen foraging.

Distribution

The Yellow-throated Longclaw has a broad range across the African continent, with sightings reported from Angola to Zimbabwe, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Its presence spans various regions, encompassing a variety of grassland habitats.

Behaviour

Observations of the Yellow-throated Longclaw reveal a bird that is often seen alone or in pairs, moving through the grasslands in search of sustenance. It is known for its habit of wagging its tail up and down while perched.

Diet and Feeding

The Yellow-throated Longclaw is known to feed on insects, as evidenced by a documented instance of one individual consuming a locust in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Yellow-throated Longclaw as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation action.