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Sickle-winged chat??
Photos taken in KTP, near Gemsbokplein.

@DQ: Marico Flycatcher - v. common in KTP.

The Marico Flycatcher, Bradornis mariquensis, is a small, plain brown and white flycatcher, common resident of the dryer northern parts of southern Africa. It is often quite conspicuous and perches in open locations such as fences and bare tree limbs. They are bold and sit relaxed, allowing people to get quite close before flying off to another perch not far off.

Its giss on the ground differs dramatically from when perched in a tree or on a fence post. On the ground their habit is much like that of a chat, with tail and body held energetically erect and perky, chat-like wing-flicking. The difference in attitude is so marked that people often mistake the same bird for a different specie based on the change in giss and behaviour!

It mostly preys on earth-bound insects, although the odd flying insect will be taken. This bird does not require to drink as it gets enough moisture from the prey it takes.


Large view

WTM - would one find Marico flycatcher at Zaagkuildrift? I saw a flycatcher there and I could swear its Marico?

Birding is hard enough - haven't gotten around to trees and plants yet.....

Yolande, there are plenty of Marico Flycatchers on the Zaagkuildrift road. You'll find them anywhere where 'Kalahari-birds' like Crimson-breasted Shrike and Southern Pied Babbler show up.

And yes, Melodious Lark is on the bird list for Pilanesberg.

Thanks JoelR!!

Hey all!

The challenge is on. If someone can tell me what the white and brown blurry bird in the front of the pic is (I think is a Martin?) that's great. The pic was taken in Pilanesburg.

The real mystery is the turquoise blue alien just right to the brown and white bird. The bluey alien is in focus. I only noticed this once I tried to identify the Martin. I think the thing in the background is some kind of bird. Am I wrong? Can anyone help?

Hey
My guess would be a Marico Flycatcher?
The blue bit looks like maybe rubbish or piping but if its a bird it can only be a vivid blue Blue Waxbill.

Hopefully that helps!

Thanks!
I agree with the Marico Flycatcher id, but I think the blue thing in the background may be an alien.

I agree with the ID of Marico Flycatcher but that blue thing in the background looks like South Africa's national flower.

Kgalagadi, September 2007