Eastern black-headed batis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eastern black-headed batis
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Platysteiridae
Genus:	Batis
Species:	B. minor
Binomial name
Batis minor Erlanger, 1901
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A male Eastern Black-headed Batis

The Eastern Black-headed Batis (scientific name: Batis minor) is a small, active bird. It belongs to a group of birds called passerines. You can find this bird in eastern Africa. It's part of the Platysteiridae bird family. This bird used to be considered the same species as the Western Black-headed Batis.

Meet the Eastern Black-headed Batis

Who Discovered This Bird?

A German bird expert named Carlo von Erlanger first described the Eastern Black-headed Batis. He did this in 1901. At that time, he thought it was a type of grey-headed batis. He gave it the name Batis orientalis minor.

Different Kinds of Eastern Black-headed Batis

Scientists recognize two main types, or subspecies, of this bird:

• B. m. minor Erlanger, 1901 – This type lives in southern Somalia.
• B. m. suahelica Neumann, 1907 – This type is found in southeastern Kenya and eastern Tanzania.

What Does the Eastern Black-headed Batis Look Like?

This bird is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. It weighs between 9.3 and 13.8 grams. It's a small, sturdy bird. It looks a bit like a flycatcher. Its feathers are a mix of white, black, and grey.

Feather Colors and Markings

• The top of its head and back of its neck are blackish-grey.
• It has a white stripe above its eye.
• There's also a white spot near its eye.
• The area around its eyes is a shiny bluish-black.
• You can see a white spot on the back of its neck.
• Its back is dark grey, with a lighter grey rump.
• Female birds have a greyer back than males.

Underparts and Wings

• The belly and chest are white.
• Males have a shiny black band across their chest.
• Females have a dark reddish-brown chest band.
• The tail is black with white feathers on the outer edges.
• Its wings are mostly black with a white stripe.

Other Features

• The bill (beak) and legs are black.
• Its eyes are yellow.
• Young birds look similar to females. However, their feathers are a bit browner.

Where Does the Eastern Black-headed Batis Live?

This bird can live in many different places. It just needs trees to be present. You can find it in dry savannah woodlands. It also lives in areas with juniper trees. Sometimes, it's found at the edge of mountain forests. It even lives in parks and gardens.

How Does the Eastern Black-headed Batis Behave?

Scientists don't know a lot about the daily life of this bird. They seem to act like other batis birds. They usually live in pairs. Sometimes, you might see them in small family groups.

What Does It Eat?

The Eastern Black-headed Batis eats insects. It finds its food in two main ways. It searches through leaves and branches. It also catches insects while flying.