Mpulanga Province, South Africa, June 2023 (2 Viewers)

[Andy Hurley]

Hi, this bird was spotted in Mpulanga province, South Africa in June last year. More specifically, in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, near the Nkoro Bush Lodge. I think it might be a Grey-tit Flycatcher, but it appears to have a pale eye and it might have a possible narrow breast band or it might be feather ends making it look like it may be one.

The only other bird with those two features I could think of was the Bar-tailed Apalis, which I don't think this is. The white edges to the greater coverts, secondaries and tertials don't fit with the latter species, nor does the tail.

Any Ideas?

Many thanks!

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Looks like Grey tit - flycatcher, can't think what else it could be. Was it waggling it's tail side to side in a slightly unstable Andy?

 

[Andy Hurley]

Looks like Grey tit - flycatcher, can't think what else it could be. Was it waggling it's tail side to side in a slightly unstable Andy?

Thanks very much. No it was not waggling its tail, unfortunately. I have only seen them seen them a few times and never with a sidewards wagging tail! These four were a short sequential burst and the bird was gone, or I was. Otherwise I would have more photos.

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

I agree on Grey Tit-Flycatcher Fraseria plumbea