Platysteiridae

Platysteiridae is a small family of passerine birds restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. Commonly known as wattle-eyes and batises, the family currently comprises two genera, Batis and Platysteira, and about 20 species. Members are generally small to medium-sized insectivores with stout bills suitable for gleaning prey from foliage and short flights to capture insects in the understory and mid-levels of vegetation. Many species exhibit bold plumage contrasts and may show facial patches; several have distinctive wattles of bare skin near the bill or throat, which gives rise to the common name wattle-eyes.

Distribution and habitat: Platysteiridae inhabit a variety of wooded and shrubby environments, including forests, woodlands, riparian areas, and savanna edges across sub-Saharan Africa. They occur from West Africa to southern Africa, occupying habitats from humid forests to dry scrub and edge habitats.

Behavior and diet: They primarily eat insects, including beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Foraging is typically conducted by perching and gleaning from leaves or bark, with some species making short sorties to capture prey in air or on vegetation.

Breeding: Pairs are territorial. Nests are cup-shaped or hanging, placed in shrubs or low trees. Clutch size usually ranges from two to four eggs, with both parents taking part in incubation and provisioning.

Conservation: Most species are classified as of least concern, but some with restricted ranges face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.

Notable species include the Cape batis (Batis capensis) and the white-fronted wattle-eye (Platysteira albifrons).