The bearded scrub robin, also known as the eastern bearded scrub robin, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in eastern and southern Africa. This species was formerly placed in the genus Cercotrichas.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal East Africa south through Tanzania and Mozambique into Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and northeastern South Africa, with local populations in Malawi and southern Zambia. It favors dense thickets, forest edges, riparian scrub, and dry to moist woodland, including miombo and coastal scrub. Birds typically keep to shaded understory and tangles, often near watercourses or along paths. They adapt to lightly disturbed edges but avoid open grasslands and deep interior forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bearded scrub robin gets its name from the bold black malar stripes that frame its white throat, giving a ‘bearded’ look. It often cocks and fans its rufous tail, flashing white tips as it flicks through undergrowth. Pairs defend territories year-round and may duet, and the species sometimes includes mimicry in its varied song.
Temperament
alert and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories throughout the year. Pairs are monogamous and nest low in dense shrubs or forks, building a neat cup of plant fibers and grass. They spend much time on or near the ground, flicking the tail and foraging methodically through leaf litter.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious phrases delivered from a low perch, often with repeated motifs. Includes clear whistles, chattering notes, and occasional mimicry of other species. Calls include sharp tchak or tik notes given when alarmed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a contrasting rufous tail that shows a black subterminal band and white tips; clean whitish underparts with slight buffy flanks. Face shows a strong white supercilium and black moustachial (malar) stripes framing a white throat. Fine streaking may be present on the upper breast in some individuals.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans from leaf litter, probes among roots and fallen branches, and sallies short distances to grab prey. Small snails and occasional berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground and in low tangles within thickets, along forest edges, and in riparian scrub. Often hunts in shaded areas with abundant leaf litter and cover.
