White-browed Robin-Chat

Cossypha heuglini

The White-browed Robin-Chat, or Heuglin's Robin, is a charming bird of the Muscicapidae family, measuring 19–20 cm in length and weighing between 29–51 grams. It boasts a striking black crown and face, accentuated by a white supercilium above its dark brown eye. The back is an olive grey-brown, transitioning to a rufous rump. Its tail is a mix of olive-brown central feathers and orange-rufous outer feathers. The wings are grey-brown with rufous underwing coverts, while the underparts are a vivid orange-rufous. The beak is black, and the legs range from pinkish-brown to dark brown. Males are slightly larger than females, and juveniles can be identified by their brown heads and paler underparts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the White-browed Robin-Chat, look for the distinctive white eyebrow stripe, black head, and bright rufous underparts. The bird's size and coloration, along with its habitat, can help distinguish it from similar species. The female is slightly smaller than the male, and the juvenile has a brown head with rufous-brown marks on the back.

Habitat

This species thrives in riverine forests and thickets, often venturing into gardens and areas close to human habitation. In East Africa, it can be found at elevations up to 2,200 meters, while in southern regions, it is more commonly seen below 1,000 meters.

Distribution

The White-browed Robin-Chat has a broad range across many African countries, including Angola, Botswana, and South Africa, extending to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its presence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has been expanding since the 1950s.

Behaviour

This bird's diet is varied, including ants, termites, beetles, other insects, arthropods, frogs, and fruits. It is also known to bathe in water. The White-browed Robin-Chat is territorial, defending its area with alarm calls and sometimes physical confrontations.

Song & Calls

Its contact calls are a series of melodious notes, including 'pit-porlee' and 'chiiritter-porlii'. The alarm call is a rapid 'takata-kata-kata'. Its song, often heard at dawn and dusk, starts quietly and crescendos into phrases like 'pip-pip-uree' or 'don't-you-do-it', which can be repeated multiple times. Duets between pairs are not uncommon.

Breeding

Breeding occurs throughout the year around the Equator and during wet seasons in East Africa. In southern Africa, breeding is recorded from July to May. The species is monogamous, with usually two broods per year. The female constructs the nest in various locations, including tree holes and near human structures. Clutches typically contain two to three eggs, and the species is known to be parasitized by the Red-chested Cuckoo.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned, the White-browed Robin-Chat can be differentiated from other robin-chats by its unique coloration, habitat preferences, and vocalizations.

Diet and Feeding

The White-browed Robin-Chat forages for ants, termites, beetles, other insects, arthropods, frogs, and fruits, displaying a diverse diet that supports its survival in various habitats.