Black faced warbler
Introduction: Black-faced babblers (Turdoides melanops) are a sociable species found not only in thickets but in particular where there is a high tree canopy and long grass. Favoured tree species include Zambezi Teak, purple-pod terminalia and Acacia trees.
Distribution: The main concentrations in Namibia are in the vicinity of the Kavango River. Other observations include in Etosha National Park and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Forages and rummages on the ground and through fallen leaves for insects, reptiles and fruit.
Description: Melanops refers to their 'black eye'. Often confused with the smaller arrow-marked and Hartlaub's babblers, which do not have the dark brown underwings and yellow eyes of this species.
Breeding: Usually up to 4 other members of this species assist in the construction of the nest, which is bowl-shaped and made from grass. Females lay 2 to 3 eggs from October to December.
Size: 27cm.
Weight: 73g.
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