Dyaphorophyia hormophora
The West African Wattle-eye, scientifically known as Dyaphorophyia hormophora, is a charismatic small passerine, typically measuring 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length and weighing 10-15 grams. Males exhibit striking glossy black upperparts contrasting with pristine white underparts, accentuated by a prominent, broad white forehead or supercilium. Its most distinctive field mark is the vibrant, fleshy red wattle encircling the eye, which can inflate dramatically during excitement or display....
Primarily found in the mid-story and sub-canopy of lowland evergreen primary and secondary rainforests, gallery forests, and mature forest edges. Generally occurs from sea level up to around 1,200 meters (approx 3,900 feet) in elevation.
Predominantly insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of small invertebrates including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and flies. Forages by sally-gleaning, darting from a perch to snatch prey from foliage or mid-air.
The West African Wattle-eye is a highly active and vocal diurnal bird, often observed singly or in pairs maintaining distinct territories. They are adept at sally-gleaning, perching on a branch and darting out to snatch insects from leaves, twigs, or bark, sometimes hovering briefly in a burst of...
The West African Wattle-eye is an endemic resident species found across a relatively narrow band of tropical rainforests in West and Central Africa. Its core range extends from southeastern Ghana, eastward through Togo, Benin, and southern Nigeria, continuing into Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (inc...
Least Concern
- The West African Wattle-eye's most striking feature is its bright, fleshy red wattle around the eye, which can inflate to appear even more prominent during displays, especially courtship. - Despite its small size, it is an incredibly agile and acrobatic hunter, frequently performing swift aeria...