Dark batis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dark batis |
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The dark batis (Batis crypta) is a small, active passerine bird. This means it's a type of songbird. It belongs to the Batis group, which are part of the wattle-eye family. You can find these birds in the highland forests of south-west Tanzania, northern Malawi, and northern Mozambique.
Scientists used to think these birds were the same as forest batises (B. mixta). But in 2006, they were officially named a new species. This happened because of differences in their looks and their mitochondrial DNA.
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What Does the Dark Batis Look Like?
The dark batis is a tiny bird, only about 10 cm (3.9 in) (4 inches) long. It weighs between 10–15 g (0.35–0.53 oz) (about half an ounce). It has a dark beak and legs, and bright red eyes.
Male vs. Female Dark Batis
- Males have a white chest with a wide black band across it. Their head is dark grey, and their back is grey with some black feather tips. They have a black mask on their face and black wings with a white stripe.
- Females have a greyish head and a brownish back. They also have a dark mask, a small white stripe above their eye (called a supercilium), and a narrow reddish-brown stripe on their wing. Below, they have a reddish-brown spot on their chin and chest, with some whitish tips on their feathers.
How is it Different from Other Birds?
The dark batis looks very similar to the forest batis. However, the forest batis has a slightly shorter tail.
- Male dark batises have a wider black chest band than male forest batises. Male dark batises usually don't have a white stripe above their eye, which male forest batises often do.
- Female dark batises are easier to tell apart. Female forest batises have a lighter chest and chin. Their feathers have more white tips, making them look speckled. They also have a clear white stripe above their eye and a wide reddish-brown stripe on their wing.
What Sounds Does it Make?
The dark batis makes many different sounds. These include whistling calls and harsh churring sounds. When it flies, its wings make a whirring noise. The male's song is a series of short, soft whistles.
Where Does the Dark Batis Live?
This bird lives in the Eastern Arc Mountains of East Africa. You can find it from the Ukaguru Mountains and Uluguru Mountains in central Tanzania. Its range goes south-west to the Misuku Hills in northern Malawi and the Njesi Highlands in northern Mozambique.
What Kind of Home Does it Like?
The dark batis lives in evergreen forests. It can be found at heights from 540 to 2,140 metres (1,770 to 7,020 ft) (about 1,770 to 7,020 feet) above sea level. It is most common around 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) (about 4,900 feet). It mostly looks for food in the lower and middle parts of trees. It eats insects, like termites.
