The Familiar Chat is a well-known, friendly little songbird found widely across South Africa and much of southern Africa. As its name suggests, it’s often seen close to human settlements — perching on rooftops, garden walls, and farm equipment. It measures around 15 cm in length and is easily recognized by its plain greyish to warm brown body, reddish rump and tail, and a constant tail-flicking behavior. It has a short, fine black bill and black legs. Familiar Chats are curious and bold, often following people or livestock and nesting in odd places like drainpipes, crevices, or under roof tiles. Their call is a sharp “chak” or a short, whistled song.