The mountain chat or mountain wheatear is a small insectivorous passerine bird that is endemic to southwestern Africa.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the rocky escarpments and boulder-strewn slopes of Namibia into western and central South Africa, with populations in similarly arid uplands of the region. It favors rugged terrain, including koppies, dry river gorges, rocky outcrops, and ruins or stone fences. The species is closely associated with semi-desert and Karoo-type shrublands but can also appear around settlements where suitable rock structures exist. It is largely sedentary, though it may shift locally in response to drought and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the mountain wheatear, this species is a rock-loving chat of arid highlands in southwestern Africa. Males show striking plumage polymorphism, ranging from all-black with bold white patches to black-and-white forms, while females are brownish-grey. It often flicks and fans its tail, flashing the white rump as a visual signal. Nests are tucked in crevices, stone walls, and cavities, lined with soft material.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs maintaining rocky territories. Pairs nest in cavities such as rock crevices, stone walls, and holes, laying a small clutch that both parents tend. The species often perches conspicuously on boulders, tail-flicking and giving alarm calls when intruders approach.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a rich, varied warble with trills and chat-like phrases delivered from prominent perches. Calls include sharp chack notes and harsher scolds when alarmed. Singing is most frequent at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Males are variable: either mostly glossy black with white rump and bold white shoulder patches, or black-and-white with additional pale areas; females are brownish-grey above with paler underparts. Both sexes show the classic wheatear white rump and a black tail with a broad dark terminal band. Feathers are sleek and close-fitted, aiding agile, upright postures on rocks.
Diet
Primarily hunts ground-dwelling insects such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from rock surfaces and the ground, and will sally out to snatch flying insects. Occasional small berries or seeds may be taken during lean periods.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open rocky slopes, among boulders, and along sparse shrubland edges where prey is easy to spot. Often forages from low perches, dropping to the ground to seize prey, then returning to a vantage point.
