Species profile
About the yellow-throated longclaw
From behind, the yellow-throated longclaw is a drab streaked brown bird walking through grass. When it turns, it is transformed: a brilliant lemon-yellow throat and breast crossed by a bold black necklace.
It is a bird of moist open grassland and floodplain, and Mikumi's Mkata floodplain is one of the best Tanzanian places for it. The very long hind claw that gives the family its name helps it walk steadily over matted grass. It calls a clear whistled note from a low perch or a termite mound.
Life in the wild
Behavior & relationships
Behavior
Walks and runs through grass rather than hopping, feeding on insects. Perches on low bushes, mounds and fence posts to call.
Social life
Territorial pairs holding a patch of grassland year-round; family parties stay together after breeding.
What makes it remarkable
Special features
An exceptionally long hind claw for walking on matted grass, and a striking yellow-and-black front that appears only when the bird turns.
