26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE ROBIN CHAT (cossypha caffra)

The Cape robin-chat (Dessonornis caffer) is a small passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It has a disjunct range from South Sudan to South Africa.

The locally familiar and confiding species has colonized and benefited from a range of man-altered habitats, including city suburbs and farmstead woodlots. It is an accomplished songster like other robin-chats, but is rather less colourful than most, and frequents either drier settings or higher altitudes. It forages in the proximity of cover, in the open or in fairly well-lit environments. Its distribution resembles that of the karoo–olive complex of thrushes, but it prefers the bracken-briar fringes of Afromontane forest, and does not enter far into forest proper. It is altitudinally segregated from the red-capped robin-chat, and is less of a skulker.

The Cape robin-chat occurs from South Sudan (mainly Imatong Mts, above 1,600 m) southwards to Uganda, the DRC (1,800 m – 3,475 m), Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia (above 1,800 m), Malawi (where common above 1,500 m), Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho. It is a mainly resident breeder in eastern and southern Africa, though some adults and juveniles may migrate more than 100 km to lower, warmer regions in winter. In their winter refuges, they may coexist with several other species of robin. Some are however year-round residents even at high altitudes. A five-year tenure of a breeding territory by the same pair is commonplace, and the maximum recorded life span is over 16 years.

24-3-2018 BOTANICAL GARDENS, CAPE TOWN - CAPE ROBIN CHAT (cossypha caffra)

The Cape robin-chat (Dessonornis caffer) is a small, unassuming member of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. This bird, with its grey upper parts and vibrant orange underparts, measures a modest 16–17 cm in length and tips the scales at around 28 grams. Both sexes are similarly attired, making them indistinguishable in the field.

When observing the Cape robin-chat, look for the prominent white supercilium that contrasts with the blackish lores and ear coverts. The orange rump, upper tail coverts, and outer tail feathers are striking, particularly when the bird fans its tail, revealing the greyish-brown central and rufous lateral rectrices. The bill is short and black, and the legs and feet share this dark hue.

The Cape robin-chat is quite adaptable, favoring the edges of Afromontane forests, bracken-briar fringes, and even man-altered habitats such as city suburbs and farmstead woodlots. It thrives in environments that offer dense cover with interspersed trees or song posts.

This species has a disjunct range stretching from South Sudan to South Africa. It is a resident breeder in eastern and southern Africa, with some populations migrating short distances in winter.

The Cape robin-chat is a solitary creature, often seen hopping on the ground or perching conspicuously. It is known for its tail movements, frequently jerking it up or fanning it upon landing. This bird is also a daily bather and may even indulge in tide pools.

The Cape robin-chat's song is a melodious and ringing series of short phrases, often heard at dawn and dusk. Its alarm call is a distinctive, guttural trisyllabic sound, reminiscent of local names like “Jan frederik.” The species is also capable of mimicking the calls of other birds.

Monogamous and territorial, the Cape robin-chat builds a cup-shaped nest close to the ground, often concealed by vegetation. It lays two to three eggs, which are incubated primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after about two weeks but remain dependent for a further five to seven weeks.

The Cape robin-chat is altitudinally segregated from the red-capped robin-chat and is less of a skulker compared to its relatives. It can be distinguished by its less colorful plumage and preference for drier or higher altitude habitats.

This bird forages for invertebrates, small frogs, and lizards within scrub or leaf litter, and also consumes fruit and seeds. It may occasionally hawk insects in the air or glean invertebrates from foliage.