Batis erlangeri
The Western Black-headed Batis (*Batis erlangeri*) is a strikingly patterned, small passerine bird, typically measuring around 10-11 cm in length. Males boast a glossy black head, bright white supercilium, a prominent black breast band, and white underparts contrasting with a grey back and black wings adorned with a distinct white bar. Females exhibit similar markings but often have a browner head, a rufous or chestnut wash on their breast band and flanks, and less glossy black plumage, showc...
This species primarily inhabits dry savanna woodlands, acacia scrub, and gallery forests, typically found at lower to mid-elevations. It favors areas with a good understory and scattered larger trees for foraging and nesting.
The diet of the Western Black-headed Batis consists almost exclusively of small invertebrates, including insects like beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and flies, as well as spiders. They forage primarily by sallying and gleaning from foliage and bark.
Western Black-headed Batises are active diurnal insectivores, typically observed singly or in pairs, rarely forming larger flocks outside of family units. They employ a 'sally-glean' foraging strategy, perching conspicuously on a branch and darting out to snatch insects from leaves or in mid-air,...
The Western Black-headed Batis has a relatively restricted but stable distribution across West Africa. Its breeding range extends from extreme southeastern Ghana, through Togo, Benin, and into northern Nigeria, southern Niger, northern Cameroon, and southwestern Chad. This species is a resident t...
Least Concern
- Despite their small size, Western Black-headed Batises are surprisingly aggressive in defending their territories, sometimes mobbing larger birds. - The striking sexual dimorphism makes it easy to distinguish males from females, a useful trait for field identification. - Their calls are often d...