Rüppell's Chat
Myrmecocichla melaena
An all-black chat of the northern Abyssinian highlands. A large white patch in the outer wing is hidden when perched, but conspicuous in flight. Found locally in rocky montane habitats. Distinguished from other dark chats by its entirely black plumage. Could be mistaken for male Blue Rock-Thrush, but smaller, shorter-tailed, and black rather than dark blue. Not very vocal, but does give a scratchy “veet” call.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myrmecocichla melaena
- Authority
- (Rüppell, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Myrmecocichla
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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An ebony shadow trailing obsidian tresses. Medium-sized drongo with two extravagantly long tail feathers tipped with plumes, the shape of which vary throughout its range. Glossy black overall with red eyes. Juvenile duller and lacks streamers. Can be confused with the larger Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, but Lesser is crestless and oddly flat-headed, with a more square-ended tail. Inhabits mid- to high-altitude tropical forests, where it forages primarily under closed canopies, not venturing out into the open as frequently as Greater Racket-tailed. Joins mixed flocks. Impressive vocal range, giving highly variable songs that include bouncy hoots, ringing whistles, and harsh nasal notes, among others; also mimics other species.
White-rumped Tanager
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Mottled Petrel
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