Abyssinian Catbird
Sylvia galinieri
Abyssinian Catbird (Sylvia galinieri) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of Africa.
The Abyssinian Catbird (Sylvia galinieri) is a member of the Sylviidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 21.5 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Sylviidae Sylviid Babblers
- Genus Sylvia
- Species galinieri
Quick facts
- Weight
- 21.5 g
- Diet
- Fruit-eaters
- Family
- Sylviidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Abyssinian Catbird is a frugivore — it feeds mainly on fruit.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open woodland, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Abyssinian Catbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Abyssinian Catbird (Sylvia galinieri) is a species of bird in the Sylviidae family, part of the order Passeriformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF montane w, c Ethiopia.
It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 21.5 g, with a wing length of about 8.5 cm and a tail of around 8 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Abyssinian Catbird?
The Abyssinian Catbird is a small bird that weighs around 21.5 g.
Where does the Abyssinian Catbird live?
The Abyssinian Catbird is found across Africa with a range covering AF montane w, c Ethiopia, where it favours woodland, forest and well-treed country.
What family does the Abyssinian Catbird belong to?
The Abyssinian Catbird (Sylvia galinieri) belongs to the Sylviidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Abyssinian Catbird eat?
The Abyssinian Catbird is a frugivore — it feeds mainly on fruit.
Does the Abyssinian Catbird migrate?
The Abyssinian Catbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Abyssinian Catbird endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Abyssinian Catbird make?
1 real field recording of the Abyssinian Catbird — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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