White tipped tails in Karoo birds

On a recent bird ringing trip, I noticed many species that we caught, had white tipped tails. Many species have white outer tail feathers, like the batis family, wagtails, etc, but these are not included here.

The tail pattern is often distinctive in the robin family, as well as in some other bird species. These tail patterns are used in intraspecific signalling. The tail is spread when the bird flies a short distance. Some species, usually terrestrial species of semi-open country also have white markings in the wing to complement the tail pattern.

White tipped tails in Karoo birds

Below are some Karoo species with white tips to the tail, in sequence of increasing white (but the outer tail feathers have more white than the inner rectrices in each species)..

White in tail but not tip

To see these species, and other fascinating birds, in the hand, join a ringing event!