The Herero chat is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae, the chats and Old World flycatchers. It is the only species in the monospecific genus Namibornis and it has a restricted range in southwestern Africa.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Found mainly in Namibia with a limited extension into southwestern Angola, the Herero chat occupies arid rocky hillsides, boulder fields, and granite inselbergs with sparse shrub cover. It favors dry river valleys and rocky slopes where crevices and ledges provide nesting sites. Vegetation is typically open, featuring drought-adapted shrubs and scattered trees such as Commiphora. The species is strongly associated with rugged terrain and avoids dense woodland or dune fields. It is largely sedentary within its fragmented but stable range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Herero chat is the sole member of the genus Namibornis and is closely tied to rocky deserts and inselbergs of southwestern Africa. It often perches on boulders, flicking its tail while scanning for insects. The species’ name refers to the Herero people of the region. Its localized habitat makes it a good indicator of intact rocky desert ecosystems.
Temperament
wary but often perches conspicuously on rocks
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between boulders
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs that defend rocky territories. Pairs nest in crevices or cavities among rocks, lining the nest with fine plant fibers. They maintain year-round territories and exhibit tail-flicking and wing-quivering displays during interactions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A short, melodious series of whistles and chatters delivered from prominent perches. Calls include sharp ticks and soft contact notes used between mates.
Plumage
Sandy-brown to grey-brown upperparts with paler underparts and a clean, lightly buff-tinged breast. Often shows a faint pale supercilium and a darker tail with contrasting pale outer feathers. Plumage blends well with desert rock, offering effective camouflage.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and spiders gleaned from rock crevices and the ground. It forages by hopping among boulders, peering into cracks, and picking prey from surfaces. After rains, it may exploit emergences of termites and other arthropods. Occasional short sallies catch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages on rocky slopes, boulder-strewn plains, and at the bases of sparse shrubs where insects concentrate. Often uses elevated rocks as vantage points to scan for prey before dropping down to capture it.
