Turdoides sharpei (Reichenow, 1891)

Scientific Classification

Turdoides sharpei, commonly known as the black-lored babbler or Sharpe's pied-babbler, is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae.

Distribution Range

Its distribution includes southwestern Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the adjacent portion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that borders Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.

Former Taxonomy

This species was formerly classified as the same species as Turdoides melanops, the black-faced babbler found in southern Africa.

Plumage Base Coloration

These birds are mostly grey-brown with white mottling, most prominent on the underparts.

Plumage Variation

The amount and pattern of this mottling varies between locations and individual birds.

Nanyuki Population Plumage

The population of this species found near Nanyuki, Kenya, is darker in overall color, and may have a pure white chin or an entirely pure white throat.

Adult Distinguishing Traits

In adult birds of this species, the combination of pale yellow or white eyes and black lores (the areas between the eye and the bill) distinguishes them from most similar babbler species; this trait does not separate them from T. melanops.

Juvenile Eye Color

All juvenile babblers, including juveniles of this species, have brown eyes.

Single Individual Vocalizations

In Kenyan populations, single individual birds produce repeated harsh single or double notes, such as waaach or a muffled kurr-ack.

Group Vocalizations

When birds are in pairs or groups, they produce longer phrases in chorus.

Vocalization Tempo

Their vocal tempo is frequently slower than that of most other babblers.

Vocalization Peak Times

They are most vocal during the early morning and late afternoon.

General Habitat Preferences

Like other members of the genus Turdoides, this species occurs low to the ground or directly on the ground, in or near dense woody vegetation.

Modified Habitats

This habitat includes cultivated areas.

Foraging Location

In Kenya, individuals forage for food in bushes and tall grass.

Behavioral Traits

They are described as restless, noisy, suspicious, and typical gregarious babblers.