Dessonornis humeralis
The White-throated Robin-Chat, a striking member of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 17-18 cm (7 inches) in length and weighing around 20-25 grams. Its plumage is characterized by a dark slate-grey back and head, contrasting sharply with a pristine white throat and upper breast, which is then abruptly delineated by a prominent black breast band. Below this, the flanks and vent glow with a rich orange-rufous, while a distinctive w...
Primarily found in dry, thorny acacia and broadleaf woodlands, as well as dense thickets, riparian vegetation, and well-wooded suburban gardens, typically at elevations below 1500 meters.
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects such as ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, supplemented by spiders and small snails. It primarily forages by gleaning from the ground or making short sallies from perches.
This generally secretive robin-chat is diurnal, often staying hidden in dense undergrowth but emerging to sing, especially during the breeding season at dawn and dusk. It forages primarily on the ground, gleaning insects and other invertebrates from leaf litter, but will also sally out from a low...
The White-throated Robin-Chat is a resident species endemic to Southern Africa, primarily found across South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), southern Botswana, southern Mozambique, and the extreme southeastern reaches of Zimbabwe. In South Africa, its distribution includes provinces such as Limpopo...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the White-throated Robin-Chat is an Old World Flycatcher, not closely related to the European Robin or American Robin. - This species is an accomplished vocal mimic, often incorporating parts of the songs and calls of over 20 other bird species into its own complex melodies. -...