Tractrac Chat
NameTractrac Chat
Common NameTractrac Chat
Scientific NameOenanthe tractrac
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsPale sandy-grey or brownish-grey upperparts, whitish underparts, with a pale supercilium and dark eye. The tail is mostly white with a distinct black terminal band.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a harsh, rattling 'chak-chak' or 'trac-trac' sound, from which it derives its name. It also has a more melodious song.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Africa, primarily found in Namibia and South Africa, extending into parts of Botswana and Angola.
Identifying FeaturesPale sandy-grey plumage, Dark eye contrasting with pale head, White outer tail with black terminal band, Ground-dwelling behavior, Harsh 'trac-trac' call
Description
A small, pale, ground-dwelling chat found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa. It is typically seen foraging on the ground, often flicking its tail, and is well-camouflaged in its stony habitat.
