Platysteira jamesoni
The Jameson's Wattle-eye, *Platysteira jamesoni*, is a striking member of the Platysteiridae family, known for its distinctive facial wattles. This small passerine typically measures around 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in length and weighs about 10-15 grams, with a robust, compact body. Males boast glossy black upperparts, a white throat and belly, and a prominent, vibrant red-orange wattle surrounding the eye, often extending like a comma mark. Females are similar but feature a slightly duller blac...
Primarily found in dense understory of moist lowland and montane tropical and subtropical forests, especially near forest edges, clearings, and along rivers. It inhabits elevations typically ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of small invertebrates, including insects like beetles, flies, moths, caterpillars, and spiders. They are adept at gleaning prey from foliage and making short, rapid sallies to catch flying insects.
Jameson's Wattle-eyes are generally diurnal and often observed singly or in pairs, though they may join mixed-species foraging flocks. They are agile and active foragers, specializing in sallying flights from perches to snatch insects from leaves, branches, or mid-air, a classic 'flycatching' tec...
The Jameson's Wattle-eye has a wide but somewhat patchy distribution across central and eastern Africa. Its primary range extends from southeastern Nigeria and Cameroon, eastward through the Central African Republic, northern Democratic Republic of Congo, and into western Uganda. It is also found...
Least Concern
- The vibrant red-orange wattle surrounding the eye is not feathered but a fleshy, highly vascularized structure that may intensify in color during breeding season or when the bird is excited. - Despite its small size, the Jameson's Wattle-eye is an incredibly active and agile hunter, constantly ...