Crombecs, African Warblers

The African warblers, belonging to the Macrosphenidae family, are primarily non-migratory birds native to sub-Saharan Africa. They occupy various habitats, from rainforests to savannas and grasslands, depending on the species. Previously classified under different families, molecular studies have identified them as an early branch of the Sylvioidea superfamily. These birds display a range in size and appearance, with the smallest crombecs being only 8 cm long, while the largest, the Cape grassbird, can measure up to 23 cm. Insectivorous in nature, African warblers differ in their foraging behavior, with some feeding in tree canopies and others on the ground. They exhibit seasonal and monogamous breeding behavior, and their nests range from suspended pocket-shaped constructions to cup nests made from grass. Although most species are of least concern for conservation, Pulitzer's longbill is endangered, primarily due to habitat loss in Angola. The family includes several genera, such as Sylvietta (crombecs), Melocichla (moustached grass warbler), Achaetops (rockrunner), Sphenoeacus (Cape grassbird), Cryptillas (Victorin's warbler), and Macrosphenus (longbills), with some species like Chapin's crombec potentially extinct.