Albertine Boubou Laniarius holomelas Scientific name definitions

18 cm; female 38 g (n = 1). Adult male is entirely dark black with blue reflections; wing strongly decurved at tip, tail somewhat decurved at tip; iris bluish black; bill and legs black. Sexes alike in plumage, male on average longer-winged and longer-tailed than female. Immature has upperparts dull black, without blue or violet gloss, and underparts matt black. Differs from recently described sympatric L. p. willardi in iris colour and biometrics (willardi has shorter wings, a longer tail and broader bill).

NE & E DRCongo, W Uganda, W Rwanda and NW Burundi.

Edges of primary montane forest, gallery forest and dense low vegetation on steep slopes and in treefall areas, creepers, giant ferns and bamboos; to 3385 m in DRCongo and 3000 m in W Uganda.

Diet presumably very similar to that of L. poensis. Generally in twos, which are not necessarily male and female, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Skulks in deepest shade in thickest tangles of leafy, woody vegetation; occasionally comes into view for no more than a few seconds at a time. Forages low down in thick undergrowth and tangled vines and giant ferns, but in Itombwe (DRCongo) sometimes ascends to middle levels of forest.

Commonest vocalization is a loud, ringing, high-pitched whistle, “heeeeeee”, lasting 0·8 seconds, or ascending “hooeeee”, given solo or as part of duet, answered by harsh “ti-haarwet” or snoring, rattling “korrrrr” or tearing “tzweeeerrr” by presumed female; also grating, frog-like “t'rrraaanh” answered by short “chyow”, and “t'zzheeeh” answered by abrupt “chya”; other calls a tearing “turrrraaaanh” (1·5–2 seconds), scraping “jaaa” and hollow “jowjowjowjow”; in courtship or territorial threat a nasal twanging “zzazanananana”; in alarm a rasping scold; nestling has insect-like begging call.

Little known. Bird with brood patch in Oct in Uganda; breeds Apr–May or probably Apr–Jul in DRCongo (Itombwe). Only one nest described, a mossy cup built in a cypress tree (Cupressaceae) covered with Gouania creepers; clutch two eggs. No other information.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Restricted-range species: confined to the Albertine Rift mountains EBA. Generally common and vocal, but very poorly known. Recorded in several protected areas. In Uganda, quite common in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; in Rwenzoris uncommon at 2100 m, common at 2400 m and 3000 m, very common at 2700 m. In Nyungwe highlands, in Rwanda, commoner above 1950 m than below that level. In DRCongo, common in Itombwe Highlands at 1170–2450 m and on Mt Kabobo, uncommon on Idjwi I (L Kivu).