The blackstart is a chat found in desert regions in North Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. It is resident throughout its range.
Region
North Africa and the Middle East
Typical Environment
Found from Morocco and Algeria across the Sahara’s northern margins and Egypt into the Sinai, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, and through the Arabian Peninsula. It favors arid, rocky habitats including wadis, escarpments, boulder-strewn hillsides, cliff faces, and ruins near oases. Vegetation is sparse; it uses scattered shrubs and stones as perches to sally for prey. It is generally sedentary, with local movements following rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A desert-adapted chat, the blackstart often flicks and fans its entirely black tail, a signature behavior that makes it easy to spot on rocky slopes and in wadis. It nests in crevices, walls, and rock piles and remains resident throughout its range. Formerly placed in Cercomela, it is now typically treated within Oenanthe after genetic studies.
Repeated tail spreading is a characteristic behavior. Sde Boker, Israel
Temperament
alert and confiding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, holding territories year-round in suitable rocky desert. Nests in cavities, crevices, walls, or among stones; both sexes participate in territory defense. Breeding pairs maintain close contact and use tail-fanning displays in courtship and signaling.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet warble interspersed with thin, metallic notes delivered from prominent perches. Calls include sharp tseet or tick notes used in contact and alarm.
