Cape Batis

39 Replies

Batis capensis

The Cape Batis, listed as least concern by the IUCN, is endemic to Africa south of the Zambezi; parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho and of course South Africa, from the Western Cape to the Soutpansberg in Limpopo, where it inhabits temperate coastal, montane and riverine forests and more open adjacent areas, as well as densely planted gardens. It feeds almost exclusively on insects and other invertebrates. They are usually seen in monogamous, territorial pairs that build compact and well camouflaged cup-shaped nests during the breeding season, which spans spring and summer. Adult Cape Batisses weigh around 12g and measure just 13cm from the tips of their beaks to the tips of their tails.

Cape Batis (female)
Cape Batis (female)
Cape Batis (female)
Cape Batis (male)
Cape Batis (male)
Cape Batis
Cape Batis
Cape Batis
Cape Batis (male)
Cape Batis male
Cape Batis (photo by Joubert)

39 thoughts on “Cape Batis”

  1. Joanne Sisco's avatarJoanne Sisco

    The last photo is my favourite! I really get a sense of how pretty this little guy truly is.

    You have so many wonderfully different birds in South Africa. Being a birder must be very busy work indeed!

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    1. DeWetsWild's avatarde Wets Wild Post author

      Absolutely, Joanne! Birding is a serious pastime for many South Africans and regularly adding ticks to your “life list” reason to keep visiting new places and habitats. As a family we are closing in on 600 South African species of birds seen!

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      2. DeWetsWild's avatarde Wets Wild Post author

        No, we only started keeping a list after Joubert was born. Having a little one in tow meant a more leisurely pace to our outdoor pursuits, which of course is ideally suited for birdwatching. 😉

    1. DeWetsWild's avatarde Wets Wild Post author

      Still you are very lucky to have them visit you at all, Anne! I would love to be able to boast to have these beautiful creatures visiting our garden!

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  7. SoyBend's avatarSoyBend

    Beautiful contrasting plumage and eye color on this bird. It’s interesting that the female has brighter coloring on her breast, much like our belted kingfisher.

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  8. Rainsinn's avatarRainsinn

    I always love it when a bird just looks at you… and this little one is another gorgeous bird with beautiful 👀. Thanks for sharing their pics 😍😊

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    1. DeWetsWild's avatarde Wets Wild Post author

      I’d guess another excellent example of convergent evolution, Montucky; as both the Batis and Nuthatch lead similar lives and especially have very similar feeding techniques!

      Reply ↓

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