The red-throated alethe is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests.
Region
Albertine Rift of Central-East Africa
Typical Environment
Found in montane and submontane evergreen forests of the Albertine Rift, including eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, southwestern Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. It favors dense understory along ravines, stream gullies, and bamboo edges. The species occurs in both primary and well-developed secondary forest, especially where leaf litter accumulates. It keeps close to the forest floor, using thickets and tangled vegetation for cover.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-throated alethe is a shy, ground-oriented flycatcher of the Albertine Rift montane forests and is more often heard than seen. It was formerly placed in the genus Alethe but is now commonly treated in Chamaetylas within the Old World flycatcher family. It forages quietly in leaf litter, frequently flicking its tail and wings as it moves through dense understory.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense forest understory. It nests low in vegetation or on banks, building a neat cup from rootlets and moss. Breeding is presumed monogamous, with both adults participating in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, melodious series of whistles delivered from low perches within cover. Calls include sharp ticking notes and thin seet contact calls, often given while foraging.
Plumage
Upperparts are olive-brown to brown with a slightly grayer head, contrasting with a bright rufous-red throat and whitish to buff underparts. The wings and tail are dusky-brown, and the underparts may show a soft gray wash on the breast. Feathers are smooth and sleek, suited to moving through dense understory.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. It gleans prey from leaf litter and low vegetation and may sally short distances to snatch disturbed insects. Small berries or other soft fruits may be taken opportunistically when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the forest floor in leaf litter, along shaded trails, and in damp gullies. Dense tangles, fallen logs, and root masses provide favored hunting spots and cover.
