The brown scrub robin is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Eswatini, Mozambique and, South Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical dry or moist forests. This species was formerly placed in the genus Cercotrichas.
Region
Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Found from northeastern South Africa through Eswatini into southern Mozambique, mainly in coastal and lowland forests, dune forests, and dense thickets. It favors forest margins, secondary growth, and tangled understory with abundant leaf litter. The species often uses riverine thicket and sand forest mosaics where cover is continuous. It avoids open woodland and grassland, remaining close to dense shrubs and shaded ground. Protected coastal reserves provide important habitat strongholds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown scrub robin is a shy, ground-oriented passerine that favors dense understory where it flicks its tail to reveal contrasting tail patterns. It occurs along the eastern seaboard of southern Africa and is most often heard before it is seen, thanks to its rich, whistled song. Some authorities formerly grouped scrub-robins in the genus Erythropygia; this species is now widely placed in Cercotrichas. It adapts well to forest edges and thickets as long as leaf litter and cover are available.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining year-round territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low in shrubs or tangles, with both parents involved in care. The species spends much time on or near the ground, flicking its tail and moving mouse-like through cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious whistles delivered from concealed perches, often in short, variable phrases. Song is prominent at dawn and dusk, with soft contact calls given while foraging under cover.
