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;Oenanthe monticola | ;Oenanthe monticola | ||
− | [[Image:Mountain_Wheatear.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Mountain_Wheatear.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by GarethH]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
Photo Taken: Suikerbosrand NR, South Africa | Photo Taken: Suikerbosrand NR, South Africa | ||
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+ | The Mountain Wheatear or Mountain Chat, Oenanthe monticola, is a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae. | ||
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+ | This non-migratory wheatear is resident in mountainous and rocky habitats in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and southernmost Angola. | ||
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+ | Mountain Wheatear is 18-20 cm long, and like other wheatears, it has a distinctive tail pattern, with a white rump and outer tail feathers. Its legs and pointed bill are black. | ||
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+ | The male is very variable in plumage, although the tail pattern and a white shoulder patch are always present.a white and black bird. The body plumage varies from pale grey to almost black, and it may or may not have a white crown to the head. The female is entirely dark brown apart from the white rump and outer tail. | ||
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+ | The Mountain Wheatear’s song is a clear melodic whistle interspersed with harsh chatters. It is monogamous and nests on the ground amongst rocks, laying 2-4 white eggs. It eats insects and berries. | ||
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] |
Revision as of 20:41, 24 May 2007
- Oenanthe monticola
Identification
Photo Taken: Suikerbosrand NR, South Africa
The Mountain Wheatear or Mountain Chat, Oenanthe monticola, is a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae.
This non-migratory wheatear is resident in mountainous and rocky habitats in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and southernmost Angola.
Mountain Wheatear is 18-20 cm long, and like other wheatears, it has a distinctive tail pattern, with a white rump and outer tail feathers. Its legs and pointed bill are black.
The male is very variable in plumage, although the tail pattern and a white shoulder patch are always present.a white and black bird. The body plumage varies from pale grey to almost black, and it may or may not have a white crown to the head. The female is entirely dark brown apart from the white rump and outer tail.
The Mountain Wheatear’s song is a clear melodic whistle interspersed with harsh chatters. It is monogamous and nests on the ground amongst rocks, laying 2-4 white eggs. It eats insects and berries.