Alternative names: Grey-chested Kakamega; Grey-chested Illadopsis; Grey-chested Thrush-Babbler
- Kakamega poliothorax
Identification
16.5cm (6½ in). A thrush-like passerine:
- Reddish-brown above
- Crown and ear-coverts dark rufous-brown, dark lores
- Whitish chin and throat
- Greyish breast, belly and vent
- Long, stout legs
- Longish grey bill
Sexes similar. Juveniles have a more blackish-grey head.
Distribution
Locally found in Africa from southeast Nigeria to west Cameroon and on Bioko Island. Also in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, west Uganda, southwest Rwanda, west Burundi and west Kenya.
Uncommon to rare in its range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Has been placed in genus Malacocincla and Modulatrix. May not be a babbler at all and could possibly be related to the Sugarbirds or the Thrushes
Habitat
Mature and secondary montane forest, mostly near streams. Found at 700 - 2200m in Cameroon, 2135 - 2440m in Uganda, 1525 - 2440 in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds on invertebrates.
Usually seen singly or in pairs, mostly on or near the ground. Very shy, hiding in thick undergrowth. Follows swarms of army ants.
Breeding
Breeding season unclear, birds in breeding condition in April and November in Cameroon. The nest is a deep cup made of moss and leaves and placed on the ground. Lays 2 eggs.
Movements
Resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553422
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Grey-chested Babbler. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 3 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Grey-chested_Babbler
