Chat Flycatcher

The chat flycatcher, known scientifically as Agricola infuscatus, is a small, dainty bird that graces the southern African landscape. It is adorned in an earthy light reddish-brown plumage, with juveniles displaying a speckled pattern. This bird measures approximately twenty centimeters in length, making it a modestly sized member of the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.

Identification Tips

When observing the chat flycatcher, look for its large, pale wing edges which contrast with its overall reddish-brown coloration. The juveniles can be identified by their speckled feathers, which differ from the more uniform adult plumage.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of the dry savanna, but it is also quite at home in shrublands and woodlands. It is often seen perched on low-lying bushes and telephone wires, surveying its surroundings.

Distribution

The chat flycatcher can be found across South Africa, Botswana, and Angola, where it is a familiar sight in suitable habitats.

Behaviour

The chat flycatcher is an active bird, frequently seen hunting for insects. It is also known to consume small reptiles, showcasing its adaptability and resourcefulness.

Song & calls

The vocal repertoire of the chat flycatcher includes a distinctive "cher cher chirrup" that can be heard across its range, adding a melodic backdrop to the African savanna.

Breeding

Breeding occurs throughout the year, with a peak from September to March, coinciding with the rainy season. The chat flycatcher lays an average of two to three eggs per clutch. Nesting takes place above ground in shrubs and thickets, with the female incubating the eggs for about two weeks. During this time, the male ensures the female is well-fed. Once hatched, both parents are involved in raising the young, which fledge approximately eleven to fourteen days after hatching.

Diet and Feeding

The chat flycatcher's diet primarily consists of insects such as termites, ants, and beetles. It also includes small reptiles like the blind snakes of the genus Typhlops.

Conservation status

The chat flycatcher is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status reflects the bird's large range and stable population trends, indicating that, for now, it does not face significant threats to its survival.