Arnot's Chat (*Myrmecocichla arnotti) is a striking southern African bird known for its black plumage, huge white wing patch, and distinctive head markings (white cap for males, large white throat for females). Found in miombo and mopane woodlands, this chat forages low in trees and on the ground, has an exuberant song, and nests in tree hollows. Its population faces threats from habitat loss and DDT use, notes Birds of the World.
Key Facts:
Appearance: Medium-sized, black chat with prominent white wing patches; males have a white crown, females a large white throat patch.
Habitat: Prefers dry woodlands (miombo, mopane) and bushy areas in south-central Africa.
Diet & Behavior: Forages in mid-to-low tree levels and on the ground; often in pairs or family groups.
Vocalization: Features a fast, exuberant song of clucks, whistles, and rattles.
Nesting: Builds nests in tree holes, sometimes using old woodpecker holes, filling them with debris.
Conservation: Experiences local declines due to habitat destruction and DDT, according to BirdLife International.
Name Origin: Named after a Canon Tristram, who mistakenly spelled the knight's name as "Arnott" when assigning the honorific, says Birds of the World.
