African Broadbill

Smithornis capensis

Least Concern

The African Broadbill is a small, stocky insect-eater of woodland and forest edge across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Plain brown above and streaked below, it is easiest to find when a male performs his whirring display flight, snapping his wings in a tight circle to make a loud frog-like rattle. Fun fact: The sound of its courtship flight is produced mechanically by the wings, not by the voice.

Family

Calyptomenidae

Group

African and Green Broadbills

Range

African Broadbill Range — Woodland and forest patches across sub-Saharan Africa

Population

≈ Not quantified (common)

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