Boulder chat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boulder chat |
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| At Lake Chivero, Harare, Zimbabwe | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pinarornis
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| Species: |
plumosus
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The boulder chat (Pinarornis plumosus) is a special kind of bird that lives in dry forests and grassy areas called savannas in Southern Africa. It belongs to the thrush family. This bird is unique because it's the only species in its group, called Pinarornis.
About Its Name
Scientists give every living thing a special two-part name, like a first and last name. The boulder chat's scientific name is Pinarornis plumosus.
An English bird expert named Richard Bowdler Sharpe first described this bird in 1876. He created a brand new group, or genus, just for this bird.
The first part of its name, Pinarornis, comes from old Ancient Greek words. Pinaros means "dirty," and ornis means "bird." The second part, plumosus, is a Latin word that means "feathered" or "downy."
For a long time, people thought the boulder chat was part of the flycatcher family. But in 2020, new studies showed it actually belongs to the thrush family.
What It Looks Like
The boulder chat is a fairly large bird, about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. It has brownish-black feathers. The tips of its outer tail feathers are white.
When the bird flies, you can see a line of small white spots on the edges of its wing feathers. Female boulder chats look a lot like the males, but their feathers might be a little less bright.
Where It Lives
The boulder chat lives in Southern Africa. You can find it in countries like Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
There are a few different groups of these birds. Some live in western Botswana and southern Zimbabwe. Others are found in northeastern Zimbabwe and western Mozambique. A third group lives in eastern Zambia, stretching up the Luangwa valley into Malawi.
These birds love to live in savanna areas that have lots of trees, especially miombo woodlands. They particularly like places with big granite boulders or piles of loose rocks. Scientists believe this bird developed in the southern African granite shield region, which is almost exactly where the boulder chat lives today.
How It Lives
Boulder chats are often seen near large rocks. They like to run and hop around on the ground. You might notice them cocking their tail up over their back.
They lay their eggs between September and January, with most eggs laid in October and November. After the young birds hatch, the whole family stays together until the next time they breed.
Protecting the Boulder Chat
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) currently lists the boulder chat as a "Least Concern" species. This means they are not in immediate danger of disappearing.
However, their homes might be at risk from an invasive plant called Lantana camara. This plant can spread quickly and take over the areas where the boulder chat lives.
