- Cossypha humeralis
Identification
Length 16-18 cm, mass 20-29 g. Adult: The upperparts are mostly slate-grey, with the rump being orange. The face and neck are black, and the eyebrow is white. The wings are black with a white stripe. The underparts are mainly white with orange-buff on the flanks and undertail. The tail is orange with a black centre and black tip. Immature: Spotted buff and dark brown.
An accomplished mimic, incorporating the calls of many other birds into its high-pitched, warbling song.
Distribution
North-eastern South Africa, eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, and southern Mozambique.
Taxonomy
Monotypic.
Habitat
Thickets, riverine bush, dense woodland and gardens.
Behaviour
Solitary or in pairs. The White-throated Robin Chat usually keeps to dense cover, where it forages on the ground for insects and other invertebrates. Fruit is also eaten.
These birds breed from September to December; nests are made in a concealed position on the ground and two to three eggs are laid.
References
Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ & Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Robert's Birds of Southern Africa, 7th edition. Cape Town: John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. ISBN 0620340533


