Dapple-throat & Allies

The Modulatricidae, a small family of passerine birds, are found exclusively in Africa. These birds have historically been difficult to classify, having been placed in various families including the Muscicapidae, Turdidae, and Timaliidae sensu lato. However, they are now recognized as forming their own clade, closely related either to the sugarbirds or to the main Passeroidea group. Within the Modulatricidae family, there are three species: the Spot-throat (Modulatrix stictigula) from the Modulatrix genus, the Dapple-throat (Arcanator orostruthus) from the Arcanator genus, and the Grey-chested babbler (Kakamega poilothorax) from the Kakamega genus. These species represent unique birds that have intrigued taxonomists due to their elusive family affiliations.