The blue-shouldered robin-chat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests, especially in dense understorey, vine tangles, and along shaded streams. Also uses secondary forests, old fallows, and well-vegetated forest edges where cover is thick. Typically keeps to shadowy thickets and gullies, moving close to the ground. Often found in areas with abundant leaf litter and scattered logs for foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-shouldered robin-chat is a shy forest understorey bird of West and Central Africa in the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. Its diagnostic cobalt-blue shoulder patch contrasts with warm rufous underparts, making it distinctive in good light. It delivers a rich, melodious song from concealed perches and may include snippets of mimicry. It adapts to secondary growth and forest edges where dense cover is available.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense undergrowth. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low in thick vegetation or among roots. The species is monogamous during the breeding season, with the male often singing from concealed perches to advertise territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of clear whistles and varied phrases delivered from hidden perches, especially at dawn and dusk. Notes are fluid and sweet, sometimes incorporating brief mimicry of other forest birds.
Plumage
Dark slaty to blackish head and upperparts with a vivid cobalt-blue patch on the shoulders (wing coverts), contrasting with rich rufous-orange underparts and tail. Wings otherwise dusky; back often subtly slaty-brown. Plumage appears sleek but can look darker in deep shade.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. Occasionally snaps up small snails or other invertebrates. May supplement its diet with small berries or other soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the forest floor, picking prey from leaf litter and low vegetation. Also sallies from low perches to snatch insects and probes among roots and fallen logs. Favors shaded gullies, stream margins, and dense thickets.
