Sickle winged chat
Introduction: Of the 3 subspecies of sickle-winged chat (Cercomela sinuata) found in southern Africa, only C.s. ensifera inhabits Namibia, in mainly Karoo shrubberies, mountain grassland and shrubby mountain slopes.
Distribution: From the Orange River and Fish River Canyon, north to Keetmanshoop only.
Diet: Eats beetles, spiders, solifuges, centipedes and millipedes, ants and bugs, moths and butterflies. Also eats soft fruits.
Description: A small, plain-coloured chat with a slender bill. The Latin word sinuata means 'with a wavy or uneven margin', referring to the sickle-like tip to the outer primary. Usually a silent bird.
Breeding: From 2 to 4 eggs are laid from August to March in a grass cup, strengthened with plant material.
Size: 15cm.
Weight: 19g.
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