Woodward’s batis are a common, yet inconspicuous resident of Dune forests around St Lucia. They are extremely localised in South Africa, occurring from St Lucia northwards into Mozambique and as such there are estimated to only be a few thousand individuals left in the country.

Often described as ‘lazy’ for a batis, the Woodward’s batis does not move much and occupies dense tangles and undergrowth in the mid-stratum of the forest. They usually occur in pairs except in late summer and early autumn they may still move together with fledged young. 

In St Lucia they often move together with Blue-mantled crested flycatcher and are also often members of mixed-species bird parties.

The single-syllable ‘who’ territorial advertising call of the male should be listened for early morning or late afternoon in the forest.