Sooty Chat
Myrmecocichla nigra
Chunky, dark robin-like bird. Males are black with a white shoulder patch, while females are solidly dark gray. Found in grassland, open woodland, and farmland, often in areas with lots of termite mounds. The song is a variable, exuberant mix of whistling and rattling notes which can be given from a prominent perch or in display flight. Similar to Northern Anteater-Chat, but lacks large white patches in the outer wing. Also similar to White-fronted Black-Chat, but larger and chunkier, and male lacks white front.
Identification
It is 15 to 16 cm (6 to 6.25 inches) long, stocky and relatively short-tailed for a chat. The adult male's plumage is glossy black except for white patches on the upper wings that are usually visible or only partly concealed (as in the photograph at upper right) when the bird is at rest. The female and young are very dark brown.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myrmecocichla nigra
- Authority
- (Vieillot, 1818)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Myrmecocichla
Range and habitat
It occurs widely but discontinuously in African grasslands, from Senegal east to Kenya and south to Angola and Zambia. Its range is estimated at 3,400,000 km2, and it is considered "frequent" in at least parts of that area.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Kandt's Waxbill
Estrilda kandti
Pretty waxbill that is gray, black, and white, with red highlights. The bright red rump is conspicuous in flight. Found along forest edge and clearings, usually in grassy areas, in pairs or small flocks. The calls include high-pitched “tsik” and “tseet” notes which are often given in chorus by a flock, especially in flight. Similar to Black-crowned Waxbill, but darker and browner overall, with a black rather than white undertail.
Black-headed Siskin
Spinus notatus
Attractive small finch of highlands and foothills, mainly in drier habitats. Favors pine-oak forests, edges, and adjacent weedy clearings. Usually in small groups, which may associate with other finches and small seed-eating birds, especially when coming to drink. Adult is boldly patterned black and yellow with black hood and big yellow wing patch. Immature duller, without black hood; resembles female Lesser Goldfinch but note the yellow wing patches and pointed gray bill.
Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl
Ketupa nipalensis
Immense and imposing owl of dense wet lowland and hill forests. Silver-gray adult is majestic, with a large yellow bill, black eyes, and sweeping sidewards-facing “horns.” Juvenile is much paler, almost white, with shorter tufts. Gives deep echoing hoots. Primarily nocturnal, but will on occasion hunt by day; takes prey as large as small deer.
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