Smithornis capensis
The African Broadbill, Smithornis capensis, is a captivating passerine known for its distinctive appearance and unique vocalizations. This small, stocky bird typically measures 12-14 cm in length and weighs between 12-24 grams, exhibiting a compact body, a remarkably broad, flattened bill, and a relatively short tail. Its plumage is generally cryptic, featuring streaky brown upperparts, a paler, often buffy throat and breast with variable streaking, and a whitish belly; males frequently displ...
Found in the understory and subcanopy of evergreen forests, woodlands, thickets, and dense riparian vegetation, from sea level up to moderate altitudes of about 1800 meters. It strongly prefers areas with tangled growth and vine-covered trees.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, butterflies, and occasionally spiders. It captures prey almost exclusively through aerial sallying.
African Broadbills are diurnal and generally secretive, often remaining hidden within dense foliage, making them more frequently detected by sound than by sight. Their primary foraging strategy is 'sallying' – they perch quietly on a branch, then make short, rapid flights to snatch flying insects...
The African Broadbill is a resident species with a disjunct distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing several distinct populations. One significant block spans from southeastern Nigeria and Cameroon eastward through the Central African Republic, northern Democratic Republic of Congo, a...
Least Concern
- The African Broadbill is one of only three species in the genus Smithornis, all found in Africa, making them unique among broadbills which are primarily Asian. - It's famous for the loud, mechanical 'whirring' or 'buzzing' sound produced by modified primary flight feathers during the male's dis...