Habitat
Closed-canopy areas with a dense growth of wild ginger and saplings on the ground of wet montane forest at mid-elevations. From 1,300 - 1,700 m.
Mozambique (B) (NB), Tanzania [United Republic of] (B) (NB).
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through logging, dry season bush fires are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A clear, flutey, whistled 'hooo ree'. Also many other varied whistles and phrases, some very oriole-like.
Dapple-throat (Arcanator orostruthus) [XC417918]
by Frank Lambert from Uruti, Udzungwa Mts., Tanzania (song)
Dapple-throat (orostruthus) [XC449027]
by Louis A. Hansen from Vikongwa camp and general area, Ndundulu, Udzungwa Mts, Tanzania (song)
Subspecies
Affinities uncertain. Occasionally placed in genus Arcanator. Has been considered to be a bulbul (Pycnonotidae) or a chat (Turdidae), but recent molecular studies suggest that it is closest to the sugarbirds (Promeropidae). Further research is needed.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
amani (Sclater, WL & Moreau, 1935) - Eastern Usambara Mts, in north-eastern Tanzania.
sanjei (Jensen & Stuart, 1982) - Udzungwa Mts, in southern Tanzania.
orostruthus (Vincent, 1933) - Mt Namuli, in northern Mozambique.
Similar Species
Greenbuls Phyllastrephus spp. in same habitat have plain underparts and are less terrestrial. Spot-throat (Modulatrix stictigula) has spots confined to throat and is rich chestnut.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet