Batises and Wattle-eyes (Platysteiridae)

Dark Batis (Batis crypta) - HBW 11, p. 187

French: Pririt obscur German: Iringaschnäpper Spanish: Batis de Iringa

Taxonomy: Batis cryptaFjeldså et al. , 2006, Mdandu Forest, Kipengere Range west of Njombe, Ludewa District, Iringa Region, Tanzania.
Until very recently was included as part of nominate race of B. mixta, but, following study of clear-cut morphological change in C Tanzania and genetic differences, found to be a separate species; related also to B. capensis, range of which it approaches without overlap in N Malawi. These three belong to a superspecies that also includes B. reichenowi and B. fratrum, and probably also B. margaritae and B. diops. Monotypic.

Distribution: E & S Tanzania, in regions of Dodoma, Morogoro and Iringa (Kiboriani Mts and Wota Mts, Ukaguru Mts, Uluguru Mts, and Rubeho and Iringa highlands S to highlands near L Malawi); also extreme NW Malawi (Misuku Hills).