The Karoo chat is a small passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is a common resident breeder in southwesternmost Angola, western Namibia and western South Africa. Its habitat is Karoo and desert scrub in the south, extending to the escarpment zone in the north.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs through the Karoo and desert scrub of western South Africa, extending north through western Namibia into the escarpment zone of southwestern Angola. Prefers open, stony plains with sparse dwarf shrubs, gravel washes, and semi-desert shrubland. Frequently uses lightly grazed farmland edges, road verges, and rocky slopes with scattered bushes. It is largely absent from dense woodland and coastal dune thickets.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Karoo chat is a sturdy, ground-oriented chat adapted to the semi-arid Karoo shrublands. It often perches on fence posts and low bushes, sallying to the ground for prey. A key field clue is the flash of white outer tail feathers in flight. It can be confused with Tractrac and Sickle-winged Chats, but tends to be greyer-brown with a cleaner white belly and a distinct tail pattern.
Juvenile in Northern Cape, South Africa
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, holding territories year-round. Pairs nest close to the ground, often in a low shrub or at its base, with a cup of twigs and plant fibers. Both adults feed the nestlings and defend the territory vigorously.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, conversational warble with repeated phrases and metallic chirps, delivered from a low perch or short song flight. Calls include sharp tchak notes and soft churring contact calls.
