Least Concern Birds

Yellow-throated Longclaw

Macronyx croceus

Yellow-throated Longclaw eats insects in African savannas and open grasslands.

Scientific name	Macronyx croceus
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Emberizidae
Size	Male: approximately 20-22 cm, weight about 40-50 g; female slightly smaller and lighter

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How to identify

Distinct yellow-orange throat; black streaks on the back; long toes adapted for walking on grass; relatively large size with a long tail; clear, melodious call

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, open grasslands, and shrub areas

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, including grasshoppers and beetles; occasionally consumes seeds

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Distributed in East and Central Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda; commonly seen in Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe in open grasslands at dawn or dusk, locate by its characteristic call

Photography tips

Use soft morning light for photography, capture the vivid throat color and grassland activity posture; use a medium telephoto lens to avoid disturbance

Threats

Habitat loss and degradation, reduction of grasslands due to agricultural expansion

Similar species

Similar to the Ethiopian Longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis), distinguishable by the width of the black collar and geographic distribution; similar to pipits (Anthus spp.) but the Longclaw is larger and more brightly colored.

📖 how to spot the yellow throated longclaw on safari