Abyssinian Catbird Parophasma galinieri Juniper Babbler

Abyssinian Catbird Parophasma galinieri
(aka Juniper Babbler)

Ethiopia
January 2016

The Abyssinian Catbird is endemic to Ethiopia where it is found in the highlands at between 1,800 and 3,600 metres. See the distribution map at Birdlife International. It is found in dense vegetation in juniper and Podocarpus conifer forest.

It is grey with a white forehead and distinctive bright orange-chestnut on the vent.

It feeds on juniper berries and other small fruits and is found in pairs and small groups.

Abyssinian Catbird, Lalibela, Ethiopia, January 2016 - click for larger image

Captain Joseph Galinier was a French army officer who helped to map some areas of Ethiopia in the 1840s.

The song is usually a duet as seen in this photo with the female answering with a throaty rattle.

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