Larvivora brunnea
The Indian Blue Robin, *Larvivora brunnea*, is a truly captivating Old World flycatcher, renowned for the male's dazzling plumage. Measuring approximately 15 cm in length with a weight ranging from 16-24g, the male exhibits a brilliant deep blue dorsal surface, contrasting sharply with a distinct black facial mask and a prominent white supercilium that extends behind the eye. Its underparts are a warm rufous on the flanks, transitioning to a pure white belly. Females, however, are far more su...
Found primarily in dense, moist broadleaf or mixed evergreen forests with thick undergrowth, often near water sources. It breeds at high altitudes in mountainous regions and winters in lower elevation forests and scrublands.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, grubs, and spiders, supplemented occasionally with small berries. Forages by gleaning from leaf litter and making short sally flights.
The Indian Blue Robin is an exceptionally shy and secretive bird, predominantly active at dawn and dusk, foraging largely on the forest floor. It employs a 'run-and-pause' foraging strategy, gleaning insects from the leaf litter or making short sallies from low perches to snatch flying prey. Male...
The Indian Blue Robin is an altitudinal and long-distance migrant with a well-defined seasonal distribution. Its breeding grounds are primarily situated in the Himalayan foothills and ranges, stretching from northern Pakistan eastward through Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India (including Sikkim, A...
Least Concern
- The Indian Blue Robin is notoriously shy, often heard singing its beautiful, fluty song from dense undergrowth long before it is ever seen. - Despite its common name, its range extends far beyond India, encompassing parts of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. - The male's iridescent blue plumage...