The Black-throated Wattle-eye: Indicators of Forest Health

Today, we turn our attention to one of the forest’s most intriguing little sentinels: The Black-throated Wattle-eye (Platysteira peltata). Though small and often overlooked, this passerine is a burst of color and character in the African tropics, and a discreet inhabitant of well-vegetated habitats around Upemba.

Recognizable by its dark greenish-black back and the vivid ruby-red wattle perched just above the eye, the Black-throated Wattle-eye carries a charm that makes birdwatchers pause. The female’s bold, all-black throat and upper breast contrast sharply with her white belly, giving the species its name and making the sexual dimorphism unmistakable. The male, typically with a lighter throat, is no less striking as he darts through the undergrowth in search of insects.

This bird thrives in wooded landscapes; Afromontane patches, dense riverine forests, and the thickets that border Upemba’s streams. Always active, it hunts on the wing or gleans caterpillars, moths, and grasshoppers from leaves, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks that sweep through the forest in coordinated motion. Its presence signals a healthy, complex habitat; in places where vegetation thins or forests degrade, the wattle-eye is one of the first to disappear.

Beyond its beauty, the Black-throated Wattle-eye is a crucial regulator of insect populations and an energetic contributor to the ecosystem’s balance. Its fierce defense of its nest – carefully crafted from twigs and spider silk – shows a surprising boldness for such a small bird, reminding us that resilience often comes in tiny forms.

As Upemba continues to safeguard its riverine corridors, species like the Black-throated Wattle-eye remind us of the delicate threads that make our biodiversity so rich. Their presence is not just a sighting; it is a sign of healthy ecosystems where species are healing, growing, and thriving.

Images: Chris Boyes - Upemba National Park 2024