THE yellow-throated longclaw is confined to the east coast of KZN and Mozambique.
Its voice is a far-carrying whistle ‘trip-tritri’ and a loud alarm call ‘whip pipipipi’ given three to seven times.
They call frequently in flight.
They like to habit rank grass, the edges of vleis, scattered trees and bushes or savanna or light woodland.
Usually found in pairs or small groups of five to six birds, they forage on the ground, walking with long strides.
When disturbed, the yellow-throated longclaw may crouch or fly to the tops of trees, bushes or onto telephone wires.
They feed on insects.
Breeding season is October to February and they lay two to four dull white eggs in a nest which is a bulky cup of coarse grass. Incubation lasts 13 to 14 days and nestlings remain for 16 to 17 days.
The Zulu name is iGwili or iNqomfi and in Afrikaans they’re known as geelkeelkalkoentjie.
