The moorland chat, also known as the alpine chat or hill chat, is a species of songbird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is endemic to the eastern Afromontane. It lives at high altitudes on moors and grassland, usually above 3,400 m (11,100 ft), but can live as low as 2,100 m (6,900 ft). It has a short tail and long legs. It is bold and will approach people.
Region
Eastern Afromontane
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across high-elevation moorlands and grasslands of the Eastern Afromontane, with strongholds in the Ethiopian Highlands and other East African mountain blocks. It frequents open alpine and subalpine habitats with scattered rocks, heathers, and giant lobelias. The species also uses edges of high-altitude farmland and mountain huts, where it may scavenge. It typically forages on the ground, moving between boulders and low shrubs.
Altitude Range
2100–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the alpine or hill chat, this highland songbird is remarkably confiding and often approaches hikers and camps. It favors windswept moorlands with giant lobelias and heaths, where its long legs and short tail suit ground foraging. Pairs defend small territories and often perch conspicuously on rocks. It helps control insects in fragile alpine ecosystems.
Temperament
bold and confiding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding flights between rocks and shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family parties. Pairs maintain territories during the breeding season and nest close to the ground in vegetation tussocks or rock crevices. Both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied, jangling warble with chattering notes delivered from rock perches. Calls include sharp 'chack' or 'tchik' notes used in contact and alarm.
