Ant-Eating Chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora)
The ant-eating chat, is also known as the southern ant-eater chat, well whatever it is a new one for me. With the help of birders on the internet I got the correct ID. The light was not the best for photography yesterday, but when a bird that you do not know seems to want to be photographed, who cares about the light.
The ant-eating chat is an insectivore and is especially fond of eating ants and termites. It changes its hunting style seasonally. In winter it can be found foraging on the ground for insects and in summer it pounces on its prey from a low perch. Other than ants and termites, its diet includes grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars and millipedes. It is also known to eat fruit on occasion. Hummm… maybe a subject for my fruit salad tree…!!
The ant-eating chat builds its nest by burrowing a chamber into a sand quarry or sand wall. The chamber is typically 30-150cm long and the excavating is done by the parents over a period of 8-10 days. Egg-laying season is august to march, and the chat lays between two and seven eggs that are incubated by the female for 14-16 days. Chicks are fed by both parents and are sometimes helped by the juveniles from the previous clutch. (info with thanks from the Krugerpark.com site) Here are my photos… it is a female bird, as the male has a small white spot on the top of the folded wing…..
The internet is wonderful for getting aid in identifying a specie… there are so many enthusiast that have sharing sites on the internet, that an incorrect ID is almost impossible. If this was pre Internet, I probably would have taken days to ID the bird, now it takes no longer than minutes when one uses the sites…
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
Loving your comment Linda! Great photos and info to go along with them.
Thanks I kinda agree with Linda… sat on the proverbial ant hill, except it was the settee…
You’re Ant-Eating Chat certainly could have helped on the settee the other night. I think you’re blogger friends would’ve had a good laugh at you the way you where jumping around and scratching. Ha!Ha!He!He!
I could have done with a whole tree full…thanks
Great photos, as always!
Thanks Louisa…
What a handsome little chap he is! Think I should keep one as a pet down in Umhlanga, for when the ants go marching through the house after the rain. 🙂
I think we all need them here at the moment… ants everywhere.. was watching TV the other night and started itching all over, turned the lights up and the settee was one mass of moving ants… had to spray the house with that special mix of mine… no more ants…
You should patent your special mix, but tell me what it is first. 🙂
When you return to the land of ants let me know and I’ll inbox you…
Will do. Thanks. 🙂
This little birdie looks like he’s got attitude. Could it possibly be because a Bulldog was following him around? 😉 BTW, less than perfect lighting doesn’t seem to result in anything but quality images coming from you.
Thanks LuAnn… not the professional’s light that they would want.. but I’ll try anything…
I totally agree bulldog. It’s truly amazing how much info we can find on the internet and it’s more fun learning it here on your blog. I love learning about these beautiful birds you always take such great shots of. Thanks for sharing. 😀 *hugs*
Thank you Sonel… such a kind compliment…
You are so hilarious, Rob! Love it.
Thank you Denise…
New one on me! Well, now I’ll know him if I see him.
I should think he comes in your area so look out for them…
I had to chuckle at myself when I saw the bird. I was expecting photos of you and Linda at a picnic and the ants coming out while you have a chat. Then I realize the “ant-eating chat” is a bird. Interesting beak on this bird. I think we need a few of those birds here in the summertime to keep the ants under control.
Now you have given me a good laugh… thank you… still chuckling…
Le foto sono bellissime e sei sempre ricco di notizie. Bello l’uccellino, adorabile
Ciao Pat
(The photos are beautiful and you are always full of news. Handsome bird, adorable)
Thank you so much Patrizia.. so kind of you to say…
YOUR BIRDING!!!! OMG CONGRATS!!!!!!
Thanks Jasmine… kind of you to say…
Kind of me!! NO WAY I AM SOOO FRIGGIN JEALOUS!!! I want to go birding ALL THE TIME!!!
When I retire it’s pottery birding and cooking!
Lovely close and clear shots.
Thanks Chris, this bird was very accommodating…
She looks quite happy to pose and visit with you for a bit. Great catch, and the lighting set her off quite well!!! Have a great weekend!
Thanks Skye… she seemed very comfortable with me…
He looks quite serious, maybe having a second thought about this photo-shoot.
Thank you Swati… maybe I surprised her to such an extent she is just showing shock.. lol
So true, and exciting to be able to spot a “new” species and have it identified within minutes ;). These shots are lovely, Bulldog. I love the colours around your ant-eating chat 😀
Thank you Paula… yep it was a first that had me wondering why I’ve not seen them before considering how comfortable the bird was with us being so close…
Well done on the new capture Bulldog, he looks like a mischievous little character.
Thanks Brian…
Super informative post bulldog. The internet has made this a small world which is great for things like bird identification. I don’t recall ever having seen this particular bird. It’s very early in the morning here. Sleep is sometimes.elusive as it is tonight. Thought I’d spend some time browsing . Have a lovely day bullying
The way this bird posed I’m surprised I’ve never seen her before…
Wondered how you got to see this so early… now I know..can’t sleep, happens to all of us at some stage of our lives…
No light requiered on this one, Bulldog. He’s beautiful 🙂
Thank you… the light could have been better but then I’m no pro so will take shots in any light and hope for the best…
Haha, she really does look like she’s posing for the camera, you can almost hear her saying “Like this?”, “How about this?”
Thanks Vanessa… she sure was a show off, to the extent that I’m surprised I haven’t seen them before…
quite elegant isn’t it. Definitely didn’t mind you taking it’s photograph! and yes, agreed – thank goodness for the internet gives us all sorts of information….. remind me of that when I am next cursing it!
Don’t worry I think we all curse it everyday when it does not perform to our wishes… specially when in a hurry, it will go slow…
Thank you, not the most astounding bird I’ve captured but it does go down on the list as a first time capture…