female, as told by lack of a black band on breast (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Cape Batis
Batis capensis

Native Range: Africa

Notes: batises are small active shrike-like flycatchers endemic to Africa; many of the species show plumage sexual dimorphism with the females often more colorful than the males; batises frequently snap their bills and wings; the Cape Batis is a beautiful little bird that inhabits forests, riparian thickets, and even gardens in the southern-most parts of South Africa.

black mask; grayish upperparts; yellow iris (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
rufous patches on throat, breast, flank, wing (South Africa; 2007-06-30)