West African Batis

Batis poensis

The West African Batis, scientifically known as Batis poensis, is a small passerine bird found in the forests and woodlands of West Africa. It is characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage, with a black head, white underparts, and black wings with prominent white wing bars. This species is known for its agile and acrobatic foraging behavior, often seen catching insects in mid-air or gleaning them from leaves and branches. The West African Batis is typically found in dense vegetation, where it hunts for prey and builds its cup-shaped nest. While not much is known about its population trends, it is generally considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status.

Habitat: Forests and woodlands of West Africa