White-bellied Bush Chat
Saxicola gutturalis
The White-bellied Bush Chat (Saxicola gutturalis) is a rare chats, old world flycatchers, and alli found in 2 countries, weighing about 15 g. The white-bellied bush chat is a small bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae, which includes the Old World species of flycatchers.
About the White-bellied Bush Chat
The white-bellied bush chat is a small bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae, which includes the Old World species of flycatchers. This species is found in parts of Southeast Asia, where it inhabits dry grasslands, open scrublands, and lightly wooded areas. Though sometimes considered locally common, particularly on Timor Island, where it can occupy as much as 20% of the landscape, with some areas having about roughly one breeding pair per hectare.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-bellied bush chat is a small common bird, with a length ranging from approximately 13 to 15 centimetres (5 to 6 in). The species possesses a compact appearance characterized by an upright posture. It is frequently observed perched on low shrubs, grass stems, or fence posts, where it engages in scanning for food sources. Adult males exhibit distinctive characteristics, including the upper parts that range from dark brown to black, a throat and belly that are white or pale gray, and a dark facial appearance which forms a stark contrast with the lighter underparts.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in August. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-bellied Bush Chat?
- The white-bellied bush chat is a small common bird, with a length ranging from approximately 13 to 15 centimetres (5 to 6 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-bellied Bush Chat?
- The White-bellied Bush Chat is a small sized bird weighing about 15 g.
- Where can you see a White-bellied Bush Chat?
- The White-bellied Bush Chat occurs in 2 countries, including Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
- What birds look similar to a White-bellied Bush Chat?
- The White-bellied Bush Chat is most easily confused with the White-browed Bush Chat, the Jerdon's Bush Chat and the White-throated Bush Chat.
- Is the White-bellied Bush Chat endangered?
- The White-bellied Bush Chat is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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