Platysteira Batis Lanioturdus Platysteiridae is a family of small, stout passerine birds of the African tropics.

The pririt and pygmy batis survive in very arid environments with some cover, and the white-fronted wattle-eye favours mangrove forests in Angola.

Overall the family has white undersides and dark, speckled upperparts, with many species sporting a band across the chest.

The plumage on the back of some genera are erectile, giving the family the alternative name of puffback flycatchers.

In addition the family is highly vocal, with a repertoire that includes a range of whistles, harsh calls and duets.

The most important component in the diet of all species is insects, although spiders, millipedes and scorpions are also taken, and there are even records of small lizards being consumed.

Amongst the insect prey, a number of different types are eaten: beetles, grasshoppers and other Orthoptera, flies, mosquitoes, wasps, termites, mantises and others.