Karoo scrub robin

The Karoo scrub robin or Karoo robin is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Its natural habitats are dry shrubland and Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation. This species was formerly placed in the genus Cercotrichas.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs widely in the Karoo and adjoining semi-arid shrublands of South Africa, extends into southern Namibia, and reaches higher, open shrubby zones in Lesotho. It favors low, stony plains, dwarf shrublands, and the edges of fynbos and renosterveld. It also uses dry riverbeds with scattered bushes, fence lines, and lightly grazed farmlands. Dense forests and humid coastal thickets are generally avoided. It typically keeps close to cover, moving between shrubs while foraging on the ground.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm

Wing Span22–25 cm

Male Weight0.022 kg

Female Weight0.02 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This unobtrusive robin favors semi-arid scrub and is often detected by its clear, ringing song delivered from low bushes. It frequently flicks and fans its rufous tail, flashing white edges as it hops on the ground. The species is a year-round resident across the Karoo and adjacent shrublands. It was formerly placed in the genus Erythropygia and is now treated in Cercotrichas.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between bushes

Social Behavior

Usually found singly or in pairs holding year-round territories. Pairs are monogamous and nest low in shrubs or dense bushes, building cup-shaped nests of grasses and rootlets. Both parents typically feed the nestlings, and adults remain close to cover when disturbed.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A clear, melodious series of whistles and phrases, often repeated with slight variations. Males sing from exposed perches at dawn and dusk; soft contact calls and scolds are given from within cover.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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