Eremomela usticollis
The Burnt-necked Eremomela (Eremomela usticollis) is a diminutive and active passerine, measuring approximately 10-12 cm in length and weighing a mere 6-10 grams. Its plumage is subtly striking, featuring dull greyish-brown upperparts and off-white to pale grey underparts. The most distinctive field mark, giving the species its common name, is the prominent rufous-buff patch adorning the sides of its neck and upper breast, neatly framed by a clean white supercilium and a dark loral and eye st...
This species primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid savannas, dry acacia woodlands, mopane woodland, and thorn scrub, typically found at low to moderate elevations.
The diet consists predominantly of small invertebrates, including various insects (such as caterpillars, beetles, ants, and termites) and spiders, which are skillfully gleaned from foliage and bark.
Diurnal in activity, the Burnt-necked Eremomela typically roosts concealed within the dense foliage of thorny bushes or trees. It is an exceptionally active insectivore, employing a gleaning foraging strategy to snatch small insects and larvae from leaves and twigs in the canopy and mid-story, of...
The Burnt-necked Eremomela is widely distributed across a significant portion of southern Africa. Its breeding range encompasses southern Angola, northern Namibia, Botswana, western Zimbabwe, and extends into the northern parts of South Africa, specifically the Limpopo, North West, and Northern C...
Least Concern
- Despite its generally drab grey plumage, the burnt-orange patch on its neck is surprisingly vibrant and an excellent identification marker. - Often grouped with 'warblers', it actually belongs to the Cisticolidae family, known for their often intricately woven nests. - This tiny bird is a cruci...