Siberian Blue Robin

The Siberian blue robin (Larvivora cyane) is a small, migratory passerine bird, once thought to be part of the thrush family but now classified under the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. The males are particularly striking with their blue upperparts contrasting with white underparts, while the females are more subdued in coloration, sporting brown upperparts and whitish underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Siberian blue robin, look for the male's vivid blue upperparts and pure white underparts. Females can be recognized by their brown upperparts and less contrasting underparts. Both sexes have a notable dark eye that stands out against the paler face, more so in females.

Habitat

The preferred breeding habitat of the Siberian blue robin is coniferous forest with dense undergrowth, often found beside rivers or at the edges of woodlands.

Distribution

This species breeds across the eastern Palearctic, encompassing Siberia, northern Mongolia, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. It migrates to winter in southern and southeastern Asia, extending to Indonesia.

Behaviour

The Siberian blue robin is known for its 'skulking' behavior, often feeding on the ground but remaining hidden within dense vegetation. This tendency continues in its wintering grounds, where it also favors thick cover.

Diet and Feeding

As an insectivorous bird, the Siberian blue robin feeds primarily on caterpillars and other insects, foraging on the forest floor within its habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Siberian blue robin as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.