Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata) புதர்ச்சிட்டு
In the Medavakkam Marshland area, the Pied Bushchats were rarely observed. Mostly they are spotted in the early morning or during the evening time. A couple of bush chats were observed near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 15-03-2020 and also it was observed earlier some days. this species is also common in Pallikaranai Marshland area.
The Pied Bushchat, Saxicola Caprata, is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae. It and similar small species in the family are often called chats.
A sedentary “chat” associated with open habitats in tropical and subtropical Asia. Males are black with a white vent and a white wing patch. Females are dark brown with a reddish-brown rump and underparts. Females can resemble the migratory Siberian Stonechat but can be separated by the absence of an eyebrow and of any white on the collar or wing. Rather conspicuous; it may use and sing from any open perch, unlike more discerning stonechats. Calls include a rising “whee” and hard, decisive “chruk.”
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Genus: Saxicola
Species: S. caprata
Binomial name: Saxicola caprata (Linnaeus, 1766)
Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)
It is a resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from the Middle East through India and eastwards to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is found in open habitats like scrub, rough grassland and cultivation. It builds its nest in a hole in a wall or similar site, and lays 2-5 eggs.
Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)
The Pied Bushchat is slightly smaller than the Siberian Stonechat, Saxicola Maura, although it has a similar dumpy structure and upright stance. The male is black except for a white rump, wing patch, and lower belly. The males of the race bicolor have vermiculated dark grey upperparts.
The female has dark brown upperparts and rufous underparts and rump. She has no white wing patches. Juveniles are similar to females.This species is insectivorous, and like other chats hunts from a prominent low perch.
