RMCA literature published elsewhere
Publication details
Mills, M.S.L, Msimanga, A., Reygel, A. & Louette, M. 2016. ‘Kungwe Apalis Apalis [rufogularis] argentea: a summary’. Bull. African Bird Club 23 (2): 176-184. (PR).
Article in a scientific Journal / Article in a Journal
Kungwe Apalis Apalis [rufogularis] argentea is confined to lower montane forest in the southern
Albertine Rift and the Mahale Mountains of western Tanzania. It is variously treated as a separate species
(A. argentea, including A. a. eidos), or both these taxa are considered subspecies of Buff-throated Apalis
A. rufogularis. To add to the taxonomic confusion, correct field identification is hampered by inaccurate
treatment in field guides. Here we draw on field observations, photographs, specimen details and published
literature to address some of these issues and summarise what is known of the taxon. The apparent lack of
differences in ecology, biometrics and vocalisations between Kungwe Apalis and Buff-throated Apalis, and
only very minor differences in plumage, suggest that they are conspecific. Differences between argentea
and eidos are minimal, even for the recognition of subspecies. Field identification and differentiation from
sympatric Grey Apalis A. cinerea and Brown-headed Apalis A. alticola is best based on vocalisations, as
crown (grey in Kungwe Apalis) and mantle colour (washed green in Kungwe Apalis) are hard to observe in
a canopy-dwelling species. Eye colour is reddish brown and the forecrown and lores are concolorous with
the rest of the head, contrary to depictions in most field guides.