Nigrita canicapillus
A striking member of the Estrildidae family, the Grey-headed Nigrita (*Nigrita canicapillus*) is a small, active passerine endemic to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. Measuring approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) in length and weighing between 12-16 grams, its most distinctive field marks include a deep grey head, contrasting sharply with its otherwise glossy black body, wings, and tail. A vibrant, deep crimson to vermilion bill stands out against its dark plumage, complemented by dar...
Primarily inhabiting the canopy and mid-story of lowland rainforests, forest edges, and clearings, this species also adapts to secondary growth, mature gardens, and plantations, from sea level up to 2000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide array of insects including ants, termites, beetles, and caterpillars, supplemented by small seeds and berries.
Grey-headed Nigritas are diurnal and highly arboreal, often seen actively moving through the foliage. They primarily forage by gleaning insects-such as ants, termites, small beetles, and caterpillars-from leaves, branches, and bark, occasionally probing crevices. While generally seen in pairs or ...
The Grey-headed Nigrita boasts an extensive resident range across West and Central Africa. Its distribution stretches from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire in the west, through Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, continuing eastward into Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and the Democratic Rep...
Least Concern
- The Grey-headed Nigrita is one of the most insectivorous species within the Estrildidae family, distinguishing it from many of its predominantly seed-eating relatives. - Its genus name, *Nigrita*, is derived from the Latin word 'niger,' meaning black, referring to the dark plumage characteristi...