African Hill Babbler Sylvia abyssinica

Unusual warbler with a gray head and underparts and a rich brown back. There is some geographical variation, and one subspecies in south and east Tanzania shows a black face. Found in tangles in the mid-story of montane forest. Shy and skulking bird that is usually in small groups. Most often detected by voice: a chatty, up-and-down series of slurred whistles. Somewhat similar to illadopsises, but usually found in the mid-story, not on or near the ground.