The ant-eating chat or southern anteater-chat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across open, dry country including semiarid shrublands, Karoo scrub, highveld grasslands, and overgrazed pastures. It favors flat to gently rolling terrain with sparse bushes and scattered termitaria. Often found along roadsides, farm fields, and recently burned patches where insects are abundant. Usually avoids dense woodland and tall, closed grass.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the southern anteater-chat, this ground-loving chat often perches on termite mounds and fence posts to scan for prey. It frequently nests in burrows or earthen cavities, sometimes using old aardvark or springhare burrows. Sexes look similar, and the species flashes a distinct white wing panel in flight.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups that forage on the ground and perch prominently on mounds or posts. Pairs are strongly territorial during breeding and may use burrows or earthen banks for nesting. Both parents care for the young; small groups sometimes remain together post-breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of sharp chacks, churrs, and chatters, with simple whistles delivered from exposed perches. Alarm calls are harsh and repeated, while contact notes are softer and more conversational.
Plumage
Mostly uniform sooty-brown to dark chocolate-brown with a slightly paler throat and fine mottling on the breast; conspicuous white wing panel visible in flight.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and other ground-dwelling insects, also taking larvae and spiders. It hawks short distances from perches or runs and picks prey from the ground. Often exploits termite emergences and disturbed soils for concentrated foraging.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open grassland, short scrub, and along the edges of fields, tracks, and termite mounds. Frequently uses fence lines and low shrubs as vantage points to spot prey.
