Red-throated alethe

The red-throated alethe is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm

Wing Span22–25 cm

Male Weight0.03 kg

Female Weight0.028 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Behaviour

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.

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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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