Sooty Chat

The Sooty Chat, known scientifically as Myrmecocichla nigra, presents itself as a robust, relatively short-tailed avian, measuring a modest 15 to 16 centimeters in length. The adult male is adorned with a glossy black plumage, save for distinctive white patches on the upper wings, which are often visible even when the bird is at rest. In contrast, the female and the young exhibit a very dark brown coloration.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Sooty Chat, look for the male's glossy black feathers and the conspicuous white patches on the upper wings. These patches can be a key visual cue, as they are typically visible against the bird's otherwise dark plumage. Females and juveniles are more uniformly dark brown, which can make them slightly more challenging to distinguish.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of the African grasslands, where it finds the open landscapes to its liking.

Distribution

The Sooty Chat enjoys a wide but patchy distribution across the African continent, from the western reaches of Senegal, eastward to Kenya, and then southward to the expanses of Angola and Zambia. Its estimated range covers an impressive 3,400,000 square kilometers.

Behaviour

The Sooty Chat exhibits a behavior typical of chats, often seen perched openly or engaging in flight displays. It is also known to mimic the calls of other bird species.

Song & Calls

The Sooty Chat's vocal repertoire is quite melodious and prolonged, especially noted in regions like Kenya and northern Tanzania. Its song is a sweet symphony of whistles and trills, described as "wee tewee tuweer, skwik-skueeeeer, cueee-eeeee-cuweeeeer, eee-euwee-tee, tseuwee-tew-skweeer-tsi-seet…." This bird's ability to imitate others adds a layer of complexity to its acoustic displays.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Sooty Chat as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival on a global scale.