4-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - ARNOT'S CHAT (Myrmecocichla arnotti)

Arnot's chat (Myrmecocichla arnotti), also known as the white-headed black-chat, is a species of bird in the chat and flycatcher family Muscicapidae. The species is found in southern Africa from Rwanda and Angola to South Africa.

Arnot's chat is most commonly found in healthy stands of miombo and mopane woodland. It also occurs at lower densities in other kinds of open woodland with little herbaceous cover, and very rarely near buildings. It generally occurs from sea level to 1,500 m (4,900 ft). The species is generally not migratory, but is presumed to undertake some localized wandering.

3-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - ARNOT'S CHAT (Myrmecocichla arnotti)

Arnot's chat ranges in size from 16 to 18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) and weighs around 35 g (1.2 oz). The plumage of the adults is sexually dimorphic; the male of the nominate race is overall black with a white crown and a white patch on the wing coverts. The female is similar but with a black crown and a white (tipped with black) throat and neck. The bill and legs are black. Juvenile birds are like the adults but with white feather tips on the crown or throat instead of fuller white. The male of the race harterti has less extensive white on the wings and a mostly black head with a small area of white on the forehead and above the eye; the white throat of the female is also less extensive than on the nominate.

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. 

4-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - ARNOT'S CHAT (Myrmecocichla arnotti) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

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.