Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Chorister Robin-Chat

Description

The Chorister Robin-Chat is a small to medium-sized bird at 20cm and 48g. Males and females look alike and are very difficult to tell apart. They have a striking appearance as they essentially have three strong contrasting colours. The chest and underparts are a vibrant orange and their head is a dark black while the back and wings are a dark slate-grey / dark blue which can look metallic in direct sunlight. It is similar-looking to a number of other robin-chats but the vibrant colours and lack of eye-stripe are distinguishing features.

Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Cape Grassbird

Distribution

The Chorister Robin-Chat can only be found in a fairly narrow strip along the coast from the George area, spreading northwards along the Drakensberg escarpment to Limpopo Province.

Habitat

The Chorister Robin-Chat is found primarily in evergreen forests and in our area. It can also be found in well-wooded gardens with a good canopy.

Feeding

These enchanting birds spend much of their time feeding on the forest floor where they feed on insects (arthropods) as well as small fruits.

Breeding

This species mates for life, and they are solitary nesters as they are shy and not social birds. The nests are cup-shaped and most often placed in a hole in a tree trunk or stump. Two to three eggs are laid which take about two weeks to hatch. Care of the young is carried out by both adults.

Predators and threats

This species is listed as Least Concerned and does not face any significant risks other than deforestation for development purposes.

Local information

You are more likely to hear this species than see it, but your chances of spotting one increases if you visit one of our many riverine forests early in the morning.

Interesting facts

The Chorister Robin-Chat has learnt to use other animals to help it forage! They follow animals, such as Blue Duiker and even cattle, which wander into forests, relying on these animals to disturb the ground foliage and expose the insects, which are then pounced upon by the feeding bird. The Chorister Robin-Chat is one of the most musically entertaining birds in our area. It has a very melodious call and is an excellent imitator, not only of other birds but also of dogs, frogs, car alarms and most famously humans’ whistles.

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