Turdoides reinwardtii (Swainson, 1831)

Taxonomy and Family

The blackcap babbler, with the scientific name Turdoides reinwardtii, is a member of the bird family Leiothrichidae.

Geographic Range

It is a common resident breeding bird in western Africa, ranging from Senegal to Cameroon.

Habitat

This species inhabits thick scrub and forest.

Movement and Wing Structure

Like most babblers, blackcap babblers are non-migratory, have short rounded wings, and are capable of only weak flight.

Nesting

The bird builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree, hidden inside dense foliage clusters.

Clutch Size

It typically lays a clutch of two or three eggs per breeding attempt.

Upperpart Plumage

Blackcap babblers have dark grey-brown feathers on their upperparts.

Head and Throat Markings

Their heads are brownish black, they have a white throat and a noticeable white eye ring.

Underpart Plumage

Their underparts are white, with mottling on the breast and buff-colored flanks.

Social Structure and Cooperative Breeding

This species lives in flocks of four to twelve or more individuals, and flock members cooperate to raise young communally.

Vocalization General

Blackcap babblers are noisy birds, and a flock can often be detected from some distance away by the constant chattering, squeaking, and chirping its members produce.

Main Call

The species' main call sounds like cha-ka-ta.

Diet

Blackcap babblers feed mainly on insects, and will also eat fruit.

Etymology

The species' binomial name honors botanist Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt.