Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 600 - 930 (2010) and decreasing.
Status CR
Habitat destruction and degradation through clearing for cultivation or reforestation with non-native, timber-tree species, fires, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Singly or in pairs (rarely in small family parties of 3 to 4 individuals).
Food
Small invertebrates and occasionally berries and seeds.
Voice
A repeated call 'pilllipp pillipp', similar to that of Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica).
Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis) [XC754220]
by Benj Smelt from Wumingu (near Wundanyi), Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta County, Kenya (song)
Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis) [XC858472]
by id from Taita Hills, Ngangao Forest, Kenya (song)
Subspecies
Apalis thoracica (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been split into Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica), Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis), Namuli Apalis (Apalis lynesi) and Yellow-throated Apalis (Apalis flavigularis) following Collar et al. (1994).
Until recently, this species, along with Yellow-throated Apalis (Apalis flavigularis) and Namuli Apalis (Apalis lynesi), was treated as conspecific with Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica). Molecular-genetic evidence suggests that such treatment is perhaps more appropriate.
Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet