Malcorus pectoralis
The Rufous-eared Warbler (Malcorus pectoralis) is a striking, small passerine bird endemic to Southern Africa, easily recognized by its distinctive facial pattern. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length and weighing a mere 8-10 grams, it boasts a grey head, a prominent white supercilium, a black eyestripe, and, most notably, bright rufous ear-coverts from which it derives its name. A contrasting black breast band, particularly broad and vivid in males, separates its white throat from a gr...
This species primarily inhabits dry acacia scrub, karoo, fynbos, and semi-arid shrublands, favoring thorny thickets and open woodlands from sea level up to 1800 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, including beetles, ants, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders, which they glean from vegetation.
The Rufous-eared Warbler is a diurnal and active insectivore, typically foraging low in dense vegetation with a creeping motion, gleaning insects from leaves and stems. Males establish and defend territories with a distinctive, rattling song sung from prominent perches, especially during the bree...
The Rufous-eared Warbler is an endemic resident of Southern Africa, exhibiting a widespread distribution across several countries. Its primary breeding range encompasses South Africa, where it is found across most provinces including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, and ...
Least Concern
- The Rufous-eared Warbler's name perfectly describes its most distinctive feature: the rich rufous-colored patches on its ear coverts. - Despite the 'warbler' in its name, it belongs to the African warbler family (Cisticolidae), which is distinct from the Old World Warblers (Sylviidae) and New W...