Rufous-tailed Robin
Larvivora sibilans
Combination of strongly scaled breast, rufous tail, and round-headed appearance distinguish this species from others in its range. Small and skulky, sticking to dense shrubbery and shorter trees in its forest breeding grounds, where it favors dense, moist growth in lowland broadleaf forests. Often bolder on migration, emerging into forest edges and gardens. Song is distinctive, a long, wet-sounding descending trill.
Taxonomy
The rufous-tailed robin was previously placed in the genus Luscinia. A large molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010 found that Luscinia was not monophyletic. The genus was therefore split and several species including rufous-tailed robin were moved to the reinstated genus Larvivora. The rufous-tailed robin is genetically most closely related to the rufous-headed robin (Larvivora ruficeps). These two species form a sister group to a clade containing the Japanese robin (Larvivora akahige) and the Ryukyu robin (Larvivora komadori).<p>The genus name Larvivora comes from the Neo-Latin larva meaning caterpillar and -vorus meaning eating (vorace to devour), and sibilans is Latin for "whistling".
- Scientific name
- Larvivora sibilans
- Authority
- Swinhoe, 1863
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Larvivora
Range and habitat
The rufous-tailed robin is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in forests in the taiga of northeastern Asia and south to Mongolia, and wintering in Southeast Asia and southern China. It is a rare vagrant to Western Europe. The first record for this bird in Europe was on Fair Isle, Scotland in October 2004. Another was seen in Poland in January 2006. More recently, it was seen in Norfolk, England in October 2011 and again in September 2013, and in Denmark in October 2012.<p>It is a bird of coniferous woodlands and damp broad-leafed woodland with fallen trees and thick undergrowth, particularly spruce and fir with willow, alder, birch, poplar and bird cherry. It is mainly a lowland species but sometimes occurs at altitudes of up to 1,200 m (4,000 ft) above sea level. In its winter quarters it is found in forests, in areas with scattered trees, scrubland, parks and gardens.
- Breeding range
- PAL : c to se Russia, ne China and n Japan
- Non-breeding range
- se Asia
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
This is an elusive bird and difficult to spot as it lurks among concealing branches, remaining stationary for considerable periods. It is terrestrial in its habits and insectivorous, mainly feeding on ants, beetles, spiders and other invertebrates. It often flicks its tail in a characteristic way.<p>Breeding takes place in June or July. The nest is cup-shaped and is often in a hole in a tree or on a stump and usually quite near the ground. It is made from dead leaves, grasses and moss and lined with finer materials. There are usually five or six eggs, either plain pale blue or blueish-grey irregularly blotched with brown. Migration southwards starts soon after the nestlings are reared, in late August in Russia and a few weeks later in Korea. The birds arrive in the vicinity of Hong Kong in November and also overwinter in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. In the spring they move northwards again, reaching Korea in May and Russia by early June.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Azure Roller
Eurystomus azureus
A large, heavy-billed dark purple bird with a conspicuous orange bill and feet. Bold pale wing markings visible in flight. Juvenile is sooty-colored with a dark, pale-based bill and smaller wing patches. Singles or pairs perch high within clearings and gaps in forested lowlands and low hills, often utilizing emergent dead branches. Distinguished from Dollarbird by its uniform dark coloration, lacking green iridescence, and its brighter, more contrasting orange bill and feet. Call is a harsh, grating “geek,” given singly or in a rapid combination that descends into a chuckle.
Sunda Scimitar-Babbler
Pomatorhinus bornensis
An attractive, fierce-eyed babbler of tropical lowland and lower montane rainforest. Black head with prominent, long, white eyebrow, white from the throat to mid-belly, contrasting strongly with remaining dark maroon body. Note the slightly decurved, horn-colored bill. Forages singly or in pairs through the midstorey, sometimes joining mixed species flocks. Unmistakable if seen well. Calls variable, but commonly gives a soft “wu-tu” with a rising “whip!” before or after. A second bird sometimes follows with a long sputtering series of notes.
Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark
Eremopterix nigriceps
Small, finchlike lark of arid zones with strong sexual dimorphism. Male is striking with black underparts, whitish cheeks, and black crown. Female is overall gray-brown overall and lightly-streaked; best identified by short, heavy bill. In flight shows dark underwing coverts and black tail (from above black tail sides). Breeds on desert plains with scattered bushes. Song is a repetitive short phrase of clear, high-pitched whistles. Call is a short, buzzing "Zzz" or "Zik, zik…"
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.