African stonechat

Introduction: In Namibia, African stonechats (Saxicola torquatus) can be found in pairs or family groups, perching on tall, slender plants in marshy areas, swamp edges and some grassy hillsides.

Distribution: Absent from most of Namibia less the lower Orange River and the extreme north-eastern ranges of the country.
Diet: Drops to the ground from perch or hovers before dropping onto prey. Eats woodlice, snails, small earthworms, spiders, lizards, grasshoppers, bugs, ants, beetles, termites, lizards and small fish.

Description: Torquatus is a Latin word for 'collared' referring to the white patches on the side of the neck (which do not meet). Canary-like repetitive pipes and trills a feature.
Breeding: Females only build a deep, dry grass cup, lined with hair, wool and feathers. From 2 to 5 eggs are laid from July to December, incubated for around 15 days.

Size: 14cm.

Weight: 14g.