Wattle-eyes, Batises

The Platysteiridae family consists of small, stout African tropical passerine birds, including wattle-eyes, batises, and shrike-flycatchers, which were once thought to be a subgroup of Old World flycatchers. These birds primarily inhabit open forests or bushlands across sub-Saharan Africa and some nearby islands; they are largely sedentary, though a few species do migrate seasonally or move locally. They are arboreal, feeding on a wide range of insects and other small prey items through various hunting methods and sometimes joining mixed-species foraging groups. They are adept flycatchers and may also forage on the ground. Platysteiridae exhibit sexual dimorphism in plumage, which is often white below and darker with patterns above, with some species showcasing bright colors and movable back feathers. They possess striking features such as color-changing irises and distinctive wattles above the eyes used in communication, and they are known for their wide range of vocalizations. Nesting involves constructing neat cup-shaped nests in low trees or bushes. While most species are adapting well, some are threatened by habitat destruction, notably the banded wattle-eye in Cameroon, which is endangered, and others that are near-threatened like the Gabon batis and the white-fronted wattle-eye. This family includes various genera, such as Batis and Platysteira, with species adapted to different habitats, ranging from mangrove forests to arid environments. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the survival of these diverse and unique bird species.