Cossypha albicapillus
The White-crowned Robin-Chat (*Cossypha albicapillus*) is a striking passerine bird, instantly recognizable by its vivid white crown that sharply contrasts with a prominent black facial mask, giving it a distinctive appearance. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length and weighing around 40-50 grams, this species exhibits a blue-grey back, mantle, and rump, complemented by rich rufous-orange underparts that fade to whitish on the lower belly. Its dark tail is characteristic o...
This robin-chat primarily inhabits dense undergrowth of tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, including gallery forests, secondary growth, and forest edges. It is found from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 1,800 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and centipedes, which it gleans from the forest floor. It also supplements its diet with small fruits.
A typically diurnal and highly secretive bird, the White-crowned Robin-Chat spends most of its time skulking in the dense undergrowth, making it more often heard than seen. It forages primarily on the ground, hopping actively and flicking leaf litter to uncover invertebrates. Males are highly ter...
The White-crowned Robin-Chat is a non-migratory resident species found across a fragmented but broad belt of West and Central Africa. Its range extends from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin in West Africa, eastward through Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ga...
Least Concern
- The 'albicapillus' in its scientific name directly translates to 'white-haired', referring to its distinctive white crown. - Despite its vibrant plumage, this robin-chat is famously shy, often remaining hidden in dense vegetation, making a visual sighting a rewarding experience for birders. - I...