Tchagra tchagra
The Southern Tchagra is a secretive bird that rarely ventures into the open and is difficult to see and even more so to photograph, even though they may be quite plentiful in at least parts of their range. They’re found from the Western Cape to the escarpment in Mpumalanga, occupying thickets in fynbos, thorny riverine vegetation, and woodland as well as the margins of evergreen forests. It feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates, occasionally supplementing their diet with seeds and berries.
Southern Tchagras are monogamous and territorial. They build their cup-shaped nests well hidden inside a densely leafed shrub. The clutch of 2 or 3 eggs take a day or two over 2 weeks to hatch. The chicks grow quickly and leave the nest by the time they’re 2-3 weeks old. Fully grown Southern Tchagras measure around 21cm in length and weigh approximately 47g.
According to the IUCN there’s evidence that the Southern Tchagra is increasing in numbers and expanding its range and therefore lists it as being of least concern.
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