Mountain Wheatear

Fairly common near-endemic resident. Male variable, usually as (a) or (b); in Namibia may have white underparts from lower breast to vent as (c). Female rather nondescript; best identified by white rump and outer tail-feathers (conspicuous in flight). Immature resembles female. Similar to [Arnot’s Chat] but occurs in totally different habitat: boulder-strewn slopes, grassland with rocks or anthills, and farmyards. Especially common in new townhouse developments in peri-urban areas. One of earliest songsters (often starting to sing just after midnight); also sings late in the day, mainly Sep–Jan, the song a loud jumble of flute-like notes. May fly upwards a short distance, then drop down and fly low to another perch. Occurs singly or in small groups, perching conspicuously on rocks, anthills and, in suburbia, roofs.