On our recent Botuin course we caught two Sickle-winged Chats in the karoo veld outside Vanrhynsdorp. The first one was caught in a spring trap and the second in a mistnet.The first one was a recapture, but ringed only 16 days previously by Salome, but nevertheless the greatest longevity to date.
The tip of the outer primary has a distinct sickle shape, hence the species name, a feature not apparent without catching the bird! This primary shape and the rump pattern differ from the similar Familiar Chat.
Fact sheet:
Number ringed to date (SAFRING): 50 [1948-2024]
Longevities: 2 weeks
Trip report: ebird
Reason special: very few ringed with SAFRING rings, ringing lifer
