Nigrita fusconotus
The White-breasted Nigrita (Nigrita fusconotus) is a diminutive and distinctive member of the Estrildidae family, the waxbills and estrildid finches, inhabiting the dense forests of West and Central Africa. Measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches) in length and weighing a mere 9-12 grams, this passerine is easily identified by its striking bicolored plumage: a dark slate-grey to blackish head, back, wings, and tail contrasting sharply with a pure white throat, breast, and belly. This clear de...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, secondary growth, and forest edges, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Feeds predominantly on small insects, including ants, termites, and caterpillars, as well as spiders, supplemented occasionally by small seeds or berries.
This diurnal species is often observed solitarily or in pairs, occasionally joining small mixed-species foraging flocks alongside other finches or sunbirds. It actively gleans insects and spiders from foliage and bark in the lower to middle canopy, rarely venturing to the ground. During the breed...
The White-breasted Nigrita is found across a broad swathe of West and Central Africa, existing as two recognized subspecies. The nominate subspecies, *N. f. fusconotus*, inhabits areas from southeastern Nigeria east through Cameroon, Gabon, the Congo Republic, Central African Republic, and extend...
Least Concern
- The genus name 'Nigrita' means 'blackish', referring to the dark upperparts common to all members of the genus. - Despite being widespread, the White-breasted Nigrita is often overlooked due to its shy nature and preference for dense forest understory. - Its clear white breast is the most defin...