Siberian Blue Robin

The Siberian blue robin, Larvivora cyane, is a small, migratory passerine bird. Once thought to be part of the thrush family, it is now associated with the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. The males are particularly striking with their blue upperparts contrasting with white underparts.

Identification Tips

Adult males are characterized by their vivid blue upperparts and stark white underparts. Females and juveniles are more subdued in coloration, with females sporting brown upperparts and whitish underparts, and a dark eye that is prominent against the paler brown face.

Habitat

The Siberian blue robin favours coniferous forests with dense undergrowth, often found beside rivers or at the edges of woodlands.

Distribution

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

Behaviour

The Siberian blue robin is known for its 'skulking' behaviour, often feeding on the ground but remaining hidden within dense vegetation. This tendency continues in its wintering grounds.

Similar Species

While the male Siberian blue robin is quite distinctive, the female may be confused with other drabber, brown flycatchers or chats. However, the combination of her brown upperparts, whitish underparts, and the dark eye in a paler face is a helpful distinguishing feature.

Diet and Feeding

As an insectivorous bird, the Siberian blue robin feeds primarily on caterpillars and other insects, which is reflected in its genus name Larvivora, meaning 'caterpillar-eating'.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Siberian blue robin as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.