Rufous-tailed Robin

The rufous-tailed robin (Larvivora sibilans) is a small passerine bird, comparable in size to the European robin at 14 cm in length. It boasts a plain greyish-brown upper body and a grey to white underbelly, adorned with circular pale markings on its heavily mottled throat and breast. A bright rufous hue graces its rump and tail, while buff flanks, a whitish eye-ring, and a pronounced buffish cheek stripe add to its distinctive appearance. The tip of the lower mandible curves slightly upwards, and the beak is a brownish-black, with legs of a pinkish-grey hue. Both sexes are similar in plumage, though females may be slightly paler, and juveniles display a tinge of ochre with dark edges to their upper plumage.

Identification Tips

Upon first glance, one might mistake the rufous-tailed robin for the American Catharus thrushes, such as the veery or hermit thrush. However, its bright rufous tail and characteristic buff cheek stripe set it apart. Observers should also note the bird's habit of flicking its tail, a behavior not seen in the thrushes.

Habitat

The rufous-tailed robin favors coniferous woodlands and damp broad-leaved forests with a rich undergrowth of spruce, fir, willow, alder, birch, poplar, and bird cherry. It is typically found at low altitudes but can be encountered up to 1,200 meters above sea level. During winter, it resides in forests, scrublands, parks, and gardens.

Distribution

This migratory species breeds in the taiga of northeastern Asia, extending south to Mongolia, and winters in Southeast Asia and southern China. It is a rare vagrant to Western Europe, with sightings in Scotland, Poland, England, and Denmark.

Behaviour

The rufous-tailed robin is an elusive and secretive bird, often remaining motionless among branches for extended periods. It is terrestrial and insectivorous, feeding on ants, beetles, spiders, and other invertebrates. Breeding occurs in June or July, with the nest often placed near the ground in a tree hole or on a stump. The southward migration begins shortly after the young are reared, with arrivals in Hong Kong by November and overwintering in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The return northward journey commences in spring.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a series of loud cascading trills, starting high and ending lower, reminiscent of a horse's neigh. Alarm calls are characterized by whistles, and a jangling "chok-chok" sound is made when parents are tending to their young.

Breeding

Nesting takes place in June or July, with the cup-shaped nest constructed from dead leaves, grasses, and moss, and lined with finer materials. The clutch typically consists of five or six eggs, which may be plain pale blue or bluish-grey with irregular brown blotches.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the rufous-tailed robin as Least Concern due to its extremely large range, commonality within that range, and a population that appears to be stable.