Tychaedon leucosticta
The Forest Scrub Robin, *Tychaedon leucosticta*, is a captivating medium-sized passerine belonging to the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), often considered a close relative to the genus *Cercotrichas*. Averaging 18-20 cm in length with a wingspan of 28-32 cm and weighing 25-35 grams, this species exhibits a sleek, slender build. Its plumage is characterized by a deep forest green on the upperparts, contrasting sharply with clean white underparts, subtly streaked or spotted on the f...
Found primarily in dense, undisturbed primary and mature secondary evergreen forests, typically inhabiting the mid-story and sub-canopy layers. It thrives from lowland tropical rainforests up to montane cloud forests at elevations of 1,800 meters.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of invertebrates, including beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders, supplemented occasionally by small fruits and berries. Forages by gleaning from foliage, probing in leaf litter, and making short aerial sallies.
Forest Scrub Robins are primarily diurnal, with heightened activity during crepuscular hours, often heard more than seen. They are adept ground gleaners, meticulously sifting through leaf litter and probing into crevices with their specialized bills to locate invertebrates, occasionally making sh...
The Forest Scrub Robin is primarily resident across the Indomalayan biogeographical realm, with its core distribution spanning the Indochinese Peninsula and extending south into the Malay Archipelago. Its breeding range covers central and southern Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Penin...
Near Threatened
- The Forest Scrub Robin's scientific name, *leucosticta*, directly translates to 'white-spotted', referring to the subtle but distinctive white markings on its flanks. - Despite its 'robin' common name, it is not closely related to the European Robin (*Erithacus rubecula*) but belongs to the Old...