Malawi (B), Mozambique (B), South Africa (B), Zimbabwe (B).
Southern Malawi, south-eastern Zimbabwe, lowland southern Mozambique and north-eastern South Africa (extreme northern KwaZulu-Natal); recorded also from two localities (Netia, Mirrote) near R Lurio, in northern Mozambique.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Woodward's Batis (Batis fratrum) [XC518645]
by Frank Lambert from Cape Vidal, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa (song)
Woodward's Batis (Batis fratrum) [XC518648]
by id from Cape Vidal, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa (song)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with Reichenow's Batis (Batis reichenowi), Forest Batis (Batis mixta), Dark Batis (Batis crypta) and Cape Batis (Batis capensis), probably also with Margaret's Batis (Batis margaritae) and Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops). Allegedly smaller and more rufous birds from north of R Save, in Mozambique, described as subspecies sheppardi, but considered indistinguishable from those elsewhere in range.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet