The southern tchagra is a passerine bird found in dense scrub and coastal bush in southern and south-eastern South Africa and Eswatini.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in southern and south-eastern South Africa and Eswatini, especially in dense scrub, coastal bush, and fynbos. Favours thicket edges, tangled hedgerows, and rank vegetation along drainage lines. It also uses mixed woodland margins, renosterveld patches, and overgrown gardens near natural bush. The species is largely sedentary within its range, with local movements tied to cover and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy bushshrike, the southern tchagra is often heard before it is seen, giving clear, whistled phrases that its mate frequently answers in duet. It responds readily to imitated whistles and may approach cautiously through dense cover. Pairs maintain territories year-round and skulk in thickets, fynbos, and coastal bush. It belongs to the bushshrike family (Malaconotidae), not true shrikes.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between patches of cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs that defend permanent territories. Nest is a neat, shallow cup placed low in dense shrubs or thorny thicket. Both sexes participate in territory defense and likely in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, whistled phrases often delivered from concealed perches and frequently answered antiphonally by the mate. Calls include sharp tchik notes and melodious whistles; the bird often approaches a whistled imitation.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a rich rufous crown, contrasting black facial mask and broad white supercilium; underparts buffy to pale grey with a clean white throat. Long, graduated tail is dark with white outer edges and tips. Wings are brown with subtle rufous tones; overall appearance is sleek with a slightly rounded head and strong bill.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders. It also takes small lizards and occasionally other small invertebrates or nestling prey. Foraging is methodical, with short pounces to the ground or quick gleaning from low foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense scrub, along thicket edges, and within coastal bush where cover is continuous. Often hunts from low perches, making short sallies to the ground or into shrubs.
