Alternative names: Juniper Babbler; Abyssinian Babbler
- Parophasma galinieri
Identification
A dull grey babbler-like passerine (17-19cm):
- Dirty grey plumage
- White forehead
- Black lores
- Rufous-chestnut vent
Sexes similar, juveniles are generally paler.
Distribution
Endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia.
Fairly common in parts of its range.1
Taxonomy
Monotypic.1, 2
Uncertain affinities. May be close to Bush Blackcap or the Mountain-Babblers. Perhaps not a Babbler but an Old World Warbler.1
Habitat
Dense thickets, giant heather, juniper woodland, highland bamboo, olive trees, well-wooded gardens. Often in steep-sided valleys or ravines. Found between 2440m and 3655m.1
Behaviour
Feeds on juniper berries and other fruit.
Usually seen in pairs or small groups of up to 8 birds. Keeps in vegetation. Fine singer.
Breeding season from January to July. The nest is a thin cup made of fine plant stems and placed on top of some small branches, about 5m above the ground. Lays 2 eggs.
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
- Template:Ref-Clements07Oct07
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Abyssinian Catbird. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 18 June 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Abyssinian_Catbird