The Indian blue robin is a small bird found in the Indian Subcontinent. Formerly considered a thrush, it is now considered one of the Old World flycatchers in the family Muscicapidae. It was earlier also called the Indian blue chat. It is migratory, breeding in the forests along the Himalayas of Nepal, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. They winter in the hill forests of the Western Ghats of India and in Sri Lanka.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Breeds in the forested Himalayan foothills and lower montane zones from Nepal and northern India east into Bangladesh and Myanmar. In winter it moves south to the hill forests of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka. It favors dense, moist undergrowth, forest edges, thickets, and bamboo near streams and ravines. During migration it may occur in gardens, plantations, and secondary growth.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-loving robin of dense undergrowth, the male is a striking deep blue above with rich rufous underparts, while the female is plain brown with buffy underparts. It was formerly placed with thrushes but is now an Old World flycatcher. It migrates nocturnally, breeding in Himalayan forests and wintering in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka. Often detected by its clear, fluty dawn song rather than by sight.
Indian blue robin, Male
Indian blue robin, Female
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through undergrowth
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, which occurs in the Himalayan summer. Nests are cup-shaped, placed low in banks or dense vegetation, and typically contain 2–4 eggs. In winter it remains solitary but may join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A clear, melodious series of fluty whistles and phrases, often delivered from a concealed perch at dawn. Calls include sharp tik or tack notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Male with glossy cobalt-blue upperparts and head, rich rufous-orange underparts and flanks, and a contrasting pale supercilium; female is brown-olive above with buffy underparts and a faint supercilium.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small arthropods. It sometimes takes small berries, especially in winter. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, with short sallies and gleaning from leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of moist broadleaf forest, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and shaded ravines. In winter it also uses shola forests, plantations with thick ground cover, and well-vegetated gardens.
