Voice
A soft churring alarm note. Song is a varied and loud thrush-like warbling, with more warbler-like higher notes. Often sits in open while singing. Pairs duet.
Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri) [XC615327]
by id from \u1230\u1260\u1273 \u1200\u12cb\u1235 (near Alem Gena), West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia (song)
Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri) [XC41824]
by Toon Spanhove from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Affinities uncertain. May be closest to Lioptilus, but dull coloration and rufous-chestnut vent together suggest possible link to Kupeornis. Perhaps more likely to be closer to the Old World warblers (Sylviidae), which it resembles vocally and in size and shape; has been seen to scratch head directly. Further study is required.