The type specimen was collected in June 1905 in the Chirinda Forest in eastern Rhodesia, modern Zimbabwe, at an altitude of 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

[8] In Mozambique this species has been recorded from the headwaters of the Pungwe River south to Espungabera, in the Chimanimani Mountains with an isolated population on Mount Gorongosa.

[9] The Chirinda apalis is found in the mid-storey and canopy of evergreen forest and dense riverine bush,[10] mostly at altitudes between 1,200 and 2,200 m (3,900 and 7,200 ft).

If frequently participates in mixed species flocks, which travel through the forest picking prey from the leaves and branches in the canopy.

[8] The Chirinda apalis lays its eggs in the spring and summer from October through to February, building a dome shaped, although rather untidy, nest using leaves, lichens, fern fronds and seed cases.