From Opus

Cossypha dichroa

Photo by John Dempsey

[edit] Identification

Length 19-20 cm, mass 38-44 g. Adult: The Chorister Robin Chat has slate-grey upperparts and orange underparts; the tail is orange with a black centre. The White-browed Robin Chat is similar, but the Chorister Robin Chat has no white eyebrow, its black hood and mask being diagnostic. Immature: Spotted buff above and scaled buff below.

[edit] Distribution

Eastern South Africa and Swaziland. Locally common. Some seasonal movement, especially by those that breed at higher altitudes.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are two subspecies: C. d. dichroa is found south of 24° S; and C. d. mimica is found in the Limipopo Province (South Africa) north of 24° S.

[edit] Habitat

Forest; particularly mistbelt forest.

[edit] Behaviour

Usually solitary. Inconspicuous if not calling, but can be confiding. Forages in the canopy and on the ground for insects, other invertebrates and fruit.

The song is rich and melodious with trills, whistles and imitations of other birds' calls. Responds to human whistles and spishing.

Breeds October to January. The nest is a shallow cup of plant material in a cavity, usually in a tree trunk. There are usually three eggs; the nestling is fed by both parents. Sometimes parasitised by the Red-chested Cuckoo.

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