The brown-tailed rock chat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Horn of Africa and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across arid and semi-arid zones of Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. It inhabits dry savanna, rocky slopes, lava fields, wadis, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Prefers areas with scattered rocks, boulders, or cliffs that provide perches and nesting crevices. Often found near sparsely vegetated hillsides and occasionally around rural settlements with stone walls. Avoids dense woodland and very open sand without scattered stones or shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown-tailed rock chat is a discreet wheatear-like bird that often reveals itself by flicking and fanning its entirely brown tail—unusual among many wheatears that show white in the tail. It favors rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds, and thorn scrub, frequently perching on boulders or low walls. Pairs defend small territories and often nest in crevices or holes among rocks or in man-made structures. Its understated plumage blends perfectly with arid landscapes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low undulating flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, holding small rocky territories. Nests are placed in crevices, rock cavities, or holes in walls, lined with fine plant material. Both parents participate in feeding nestlings, and pairs may reuse traditional nesting sites. Outside breeding, it remains unobtrusive and keeps close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, simple warble interspersed with thin whistles and dry chatters, delivered from a prominent rock or low shrub. Contact calls are sharp 'chak' notes. The song is modest in volume and often easily overlooked in windy, open habitats.
Plumage
Plain dusky-brown to gray-brown upperparts with paler buff underparts and a slightly warmer tone on the flanks and vent. Tail uniformly brown without a contrasting white base, often flicked and fanned. A faint pale supercilium and darker ear coverts give a subtle masked look. Feathers are smooth and unpatterned, aiding camouflage against rocks and earth.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, and spiders. It forages by hopping on the ground, picking prey from bare soil, stones, and low vegetation. Occasionally sallies from a perch to snatch flying insects. May exploit termite emergences and glean prey from rock crevices.
Preferred Environment
Open, stony ground with scattered shrubs and boulders provides ideal foraging sites. Frequently hunts along dry streambeds, rocky slopes, and around stone walls or ruins. Uses low perches to scan before dropping to the ground to seize prey.
