Marsh Tchagra
NameMarsh Tchagra
Common NameMarsh Tchagra
Scientific NameTchagra minuta
FamilyMalaconotidae
Wingspan (cm)24
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsAdults have a glossy black crown and nape, a prominent white supercilium, and a black stripe extending from the bill through the eye. The back and wings are rufous-brown, with darker flight feathers. Underparts are whitish to pale buff, and the tail is dark.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, often repeated, whistling call, typically described as a series of 'twee-twee-twee-twee' or 'chip-chip-chip-chip-chip-chup-chup-chup' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, forest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, found in fragmented populations from West Africa through Central and East Africa, and extending south into parts of Southern Africa.
Identifying FeaturesBlack cap, White supercilium, Rufous back and wings, Shrike-like bill, Skulking behavior in dense cover
Description
The Marsh Tchagra is a small, shrike-like bird characterized by its black cap and rufous back. It typically forages for insects in dense vegetation, often near water, and is known for its distinctive whistling calls.
