Mocking Cliff Chat

Overview

The mocking cliff chat, also known as the mocking chat or cliff chat, is a large chat species belonging to the family Muscicapidae. It is the only member of the genus Thamnolaea and is characterised by a loud, fluty song that often mimics other species.

Identification

• Males have glossy black plumage with a chestnut belly, vent, and rump, plus white shoulder patches that vary in size geographically.
• Females are dark grey with a chestnut lower breast, belly, and vent.
• Measures 19–21 cm in length and weighs between 41–51 g.
• Song is loud, fluty, and melodious, featuring rapid-fire phrases that mimic other species interspersed with harsher sounds.
• Habitually wags its tail by slowly raising it over the back and fanning it out.

Habitat

Found in a band from central Ethiopia through east Africa into Zimbabwe, south-eastern Botswana, southern Mozambique, and eastern South Africa. It inhabits rocky and boulder-strewn areas, cliffs, gullies, and well-wooded rocky ravines, often near watercourses in valley bottoms. Although mostly resident, populations in the southern part of its range tend to move to lower altitudes during winter.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, but also consumes fruit and the nectar of aloes, such as the Krantz aloe (Aloe arborescens). Its chief foraging technique involves pouncing on food on the ground from a perch, though it also gleans food from branches and foliage.

Did you know?

Both sexes build the nest, which is frequently constructed over the nests of striped swallows, often evicting the swallows while they are still using it. The nest may be placed in unusual locations such as a hole in a wall or a cavity in agricultural machinery.