Blackstart

The Blackstart, scientifically known as Oenanthe melanura, is a chat of modest size, measuring approximately 14 cm in length. It is distinguished by its black tail, often fanned, contrasting with its bluish-grey or grey-brown plumage. The North African races tend to be browner, while those from the Middle East exhibit a bluer hue. Both sexes present a similar appearance.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Blackstart, look for the characteristic black tail and the greyish-white belly and under-wings. The bill and legs are black, providing a stark contrast. The wings are darker than the blueish ash-grey upperparts, with the black rump and tail standing out.

Habitat

The Blackstart is adapted to life in rocky deserts and mountain slopes, where it can be observed with relative ease due to its confident nature.

Distribution

This bird is a resident species found across desert regions in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. Its presence is noted from northeast Egypt to central Saudi Arabia, with various subspecies distributed over a wider area.

Behaviour

The Blackstart is a monogamous bird, with pairs remaining together throughout the year within their breeding territories. It is a bold species, showing little fear of humans.

Song & Calls

The Blackstart's song is a clear, melancholic whistle, composed of phrases like "CHURlee…TRUloo…CHURlee…TRUlur…". These phrases are also used as calls.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in rock crevices where the female lays 3–4 pale blue eggs speckled with fine red-brown markings. The nest, a shallow cup of grass and leaves lined with hair and fine plant material, may be surrounded by small pebbles at the entrance. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 14 days.

Diet and Feeding

The Blackstart primarily feeds on insects, which it forages for on the ground.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Blackstart as Least Concern, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival.