Empidornis semipartitus
The Silverbird (Empidornis semipartitus) is a strikingly beautiful passerine, measuring approximately 16-17 cm (6.3-6.7 inches) in length, characterized by its elegant, slender build. Its most distinctive feature is the stark, silky white plumage covering its entire underparts, from chin to undertail coverts, contrasting sharply with its glossy black upperparts. A prominent black face mask extends from the lores through the eye, creating a bandit-like appearance, while its flanks are adorned ...
Primarily inhabits dry acacia savanna, open woodlands, and riverine thickets, often found near water sources. It thrives across various elevations in East Africa, preferring areas with scattered trees and bushes for foraging and perching.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small to medium-sized insects. It mostly catches prey on the wing through aerial sallies, supplemented by gleaning from foliage.
The Silverbird is a highly active, diurnal species, often observed perching conspicuously on a branch or bush, constantly flicking its long tail. It employs a classic flycatcher foraging strategy, making frequent aerial sallies from its perch to snatch insects in flight, a technique known as 'sal...
The Silverbird (Empidornis semipartitus) is a resident species, with a robust and widespread distribution across East Africa. Its core range extends from southeastern Sudan and Ethiopia, south through Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It also occurs in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Rw...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, Empidornis semipartitus, roughly translates to "half-parted flycatcher," referring to its striking two-tone plumage. - Despite its common name, the "Silverbird" is not metallic in appearance but rather refers to the silky, luminous white of its underparts. - It belongs to t...