The capped wheatear is a small insectivorous passerine bird that is widely distributed over southern Africa. It was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now placed in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across open grasslands, savannas, and fallow farmland with patches of bare ground. Prefers short-grazed areas, burnt veld, road verges, and the vicinity of termite mounds where prey is abundant. Avoids dense woodland and tall, rank grass. Often found near livestock and sometimes follows ploughs to catch exposed insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A ground-loving wheatear of open country, it often perches on termite mounds and flicks its tail to reveal a striking white rump with a black terminal band. It commonly nests in burrows, using old holes made by rodents or other animals and lining them with grass. Formerly placed with thrushes (Turdidae), it is now in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. Its alert, upright stance and bold head pattern make it easy to pick out in short-grass habitats.
Exemplar in Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, holding territories during the breeding season. Nests in natural or abandoned burrows, lining a cup with grasses and hair; clutch size is usually 2–5 eggs. Both adults feed the young, and birds frequently tail-flick and perch on mounds or fenceposts when scanning for prey.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a lively, varied mix of melodious phrases and chat-like notes, delivered from a perch or short display flights. Calls include sharp chacks and soft whistles used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Brown to grey-brown upperparts with a bold black cap and face, contrasting with a white throat and pale buff underparts. Shows a white rump and largely white tail with a broad black terminal band typical of wheatears. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat, clean look.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Forages by running and stopping to pick prey from the ground, and will sally a short distance to catch flying insects. Frequently hunts around termite mounds and in recently burnt or grazed areas where prey is exposed.
Preferred Environment
Open short-grass habitats, grazed pastures, fallow fields, and road verges with scattered perches like mounds or rocks. Often near livestock and on disturbed ground where visibility and access to prey are high.
