Melaenornis chocolatinus
The Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher (Melaenornis chocolatinus) is an intriguing Old World flycatcher, endemic to the high-altitude regions of East Africa. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length, this species is characterized by its uniformly dark, sooty-brown to blackish-brown plumage, which can appear distinctly slaty-grey or chocolate-tinged depending on the light and subspecies. Its dark bill, eyes, and legs complete its rather understated yet elegant appearance, with the abse...
Primarily inhabits Afromontane forests, forest edges, clearings, and wooded savannas, often near cultivation, at elevations typically ranging from 1,800 to 3,400 meters.
Exclusively insectivorous, primarily preying on beetles, flies, ants, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, captured through aerial sallies or gleaning from vegetation.
This active, diurnal flycatcher typically adopts an upright posture while perching conspicuously on exposed branches or snags, intently scanning its surroundings for prey. Its primary foraging strategy involves making swift, agile aerial sallies to snatch insects mid-air, often returning to the e...
The Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher is an Afromontane endemic, with its range primarily centered in the highlands of East Africa. Its core distribution spans the extensive Ethiopian Highlands, extending into the southern parts of Eritrea and a small area of southeastern South Sudan. Further south, is...
Least Concern
- Despite its 'slaty' and 'chocolatinus' names, its plumage can appear almost pure black in certain lighting conditions, making it a challenging bird to distinguish visually without a good view. - Its melodious and varied song, a complex series of trills and whistles, is often considered dispropo...