Image via Macaulay Library
Southern Anteater-Chat
- Scientific name
- Myrmecocichla formicivora
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Rounded
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Southern Anteater-Chat, Myrmecocichla formicivora, was formally described by the French naturalist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1818. Native to the open grasslands and arid scrublands of Southern Africa, it is a member of the Muscicapidae family and evolved to occupy a terrestrial niche, frequently associating with the burrows of aardvarks to find shelter and food.
The species is distinguished by its understated, dark brown plumage and a characteristic notched tail, which becomes particularly prominent during its agile, undulating flight. Ornithologists often note its rounded wing shape as an adaptation for its short-distance, low-altitude foraging patterns, allowing it to navigate the savanna landscape with efficiency while remaining vigilant for insect prey.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Southern Anteater-Chat
Southern Anteater-Chat is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Southern Anteater-Chat on collecto.rs?
Southern Anteater-Chat doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Southern Anteater-Chat?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Southern Anteater-Chat catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Southern Anteater-Chat is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
