Namuli Apalis

The Namuli fine singer ( Apalis lynesi ) is a passerine bird in the genus of fine singers. It is endemic to the Monte Namuli in Mozambique. The specific epithet refers to the British Admiral Hubert Lynes and ornithologists.

Description

The Namuli fine singer was until 1994 as a subspecies of Collared fine singer ( Apalis thoracic ). Due to molecular biological studies but he is now regarded as a distinct species. It reaches a size of 11 to 12 centimeters and a weight of 10 to 12 grams. The male has a dark gray skull. Neck and upper side are dark olive green. The hand and secondaries are dark brown with greenish outer seams. The tail is black-brown. The two outer tail feathers are white. Throat and upper breast are blackish. The rest of the underside is yellow. The flanks are washed out olive color. The iris is whitish, the beak is black and the legs of pink flesh. In the female reins, cheeks and throat are dark gray. The young birds are previously undescribed. The song of the male consists of a series of loud, monotonous " preep " notes. In the female, the song is faster and more shrill.

Habitat

The Namuli fine singer inhabits the canopy and the edges of montane forests and secondary forests at altitudes 1100-2000 m.

Way of life

The Namuli fine singer is territorial and live in pairs or in small family groups of four to six birds. The diet consists mainly of small insects that are picked from leaves and small branches. Occasionally, he also feeds on berries and seeds. Little is known about its breeding biology. The only known nest was discovered in November 1998 in a crotch in 4 meters in height. It was arched, with an upward input and built of rootlets, fine herbaceous stems, vines, leaves lichens, felt-like plant material and cobwebs.

Status

With its discovery in 1932 of Namuli fine singer was even described as numerous. It was not until 66 years later there was a new expedition on Mount Namuli where the researchers identified a density of 5 copies per hectare. Based on the research results BirdLife International estimates the total population at 5,000 copies. Most commonly, the Namuli fine singers occurs above 1400 m, where there is still intact forests. Below this altitude the forests have been fragmented by deforestation. A new road to make the clearing of forests in the region more effectively, could endanger its existence in the future.