Kenya (B) (NB), Malawi (B) (NB), Mozambique (B) (NB), Tanzania [United Republic of] (B) (NB).
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010).
Status NT
Extraction of timber and dead wood and clearance for agriculture, trampling of habitat by elephants, human disturbance are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A series of piping 'seep' notes uttered in alarm. Song is fast, high-pitched, but not loud, composed of several short phrases, frequently repeated.
East Coast Akalat (Sheppardia gunningi) [XC72936]
by Hans Matheve from Inhamitanga, Mozambique (song)
East Coast Akalat (Sheppardia gunningi) [XC633854]
by Louis A. Hansen from Unguja Ukuu (western part of Jozani NP_rarely visited_includes birds from just outside the forest), Tanzania (call)
Subspecies
Subspecies bensoni strikingly distinctive, possibly better treated as a separate species.
The following 4 subspecies are recognised:
sokokensis (van Someren, 1921) - Coastal south-eastern Kenya, north-eastern Tanzania, and Zanzibar I.
alticola Fjeldså, Roy & Kiure, 2000 - Nguu Mts, in eastern Tanzania.
bensoni Kinnear, 1938 - North-central Malawi.
gunningi Haagner, 1909 - Central Mozambique.
Similar Species
White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellata) which is yellow below, with dark blue head.
References
See References.