- Kupeornis gilberti
Identification
With 21-23cm a large forest Babbler:
- Olivaceous brown body
- White face and breast
- Greenish-grey legs
- Pale brown bill
Sexes similar. Juveniles have brown ear-coverts, chin and throat with only some white feathers.
Distribution
Only found in SE Nigeria (Obodu Plateau) and in SW Cameroon.
The range of this species is very small. Although it's quite common at some sites and has been found at some new sites, the White-throated Mountain-Babbler is endangered as its habitat is threatened and declines in extent and quality.
Taxonomy
Monotypic species.1, 2
Has also been placed in genus Lioptilus, but maybe closer related to Phyllanthus.1
Habitat
Primary montane forest with high rainfall, between 950m and 2135m.
Also seen in secondary growth and conifer trees around cattle-ranches.1
Behaviour
Feeds mainly on insects. Forages among moss, ephiphytes and crevices in bark, often hanging upside-down.
Usually seen in groups of up to 12 birds (sometimes 20) which travels slowly but highly active through the canopy and middle storey of forest. Often together with other species like Grey-headed Greenbuls or others.
Breeding season from April to January. The nest is a large, untidy cup made of moss, placed at the base of a branch, some 10m above the ground. No other data available.
Resident species.1
References
- del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Christie, D.A. eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 12. Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-96553-42-6
- Clements James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019