The rufous-tailed scrub robin is a medium-sized member of the family Muscicapidae. Other common names include the rufous scrub robin, rufous bush chat, rufous bush robin and the rufous warbler. It breeds around the Mediterranean and east to Pakistan. It also breeds south of the Sahara from the Sahel region east to Somalia; these African birds are sometimes considered to be a separate species, the African scrub robin. It is partially migratory, wintering in Africa and India. This is a very rare visitor to northern Europe.
Region
Mediterranean Basin, North and East Africa to South Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds around the Mediterranean through the Middle East and into Central and South Asia, with additional populations across the Sahel to the Horn of Africa. Winters mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Indian subcontinent. Prefers open scrub, thornbush, hedgerows, orchards, and dry riverine thickets with scattered shrubs. Often occurs near traditional agriculture, olive groves, and edges of semi-arid steppe. Generally avoids dense forest and very open desert without cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known for its constantly flicked, fanned rufous tail with a black subterminal band and white corners, which it uses in display and to flush insects. The male delivers a rich, varied song that often includes mimicry of other birds. Some African populations have been treated as a separate species, the African scrub robin, but taxonomy varies. It is a scarce vagrant to northern Europe.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
low, bounding flights with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests low in bushes or dense shrubs, building a neat cup of grasses and fibers. Clutch typically 3–5 eggs, with both parents feeding the young. Performs conspicuous tail-fanning and wing-flicking displays in territories.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Rich, varied warble with clear whistles, trills, and frequent mimicry of other species. Males sing from exposed perches and incorporate pauses and repeated phrases; alarm calls are sharp, dry chacks.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with pale buff underparts and a clean whitish throat; long rufous tail shows a black subterminal band and white outer corners. A bold whitish supercilium contrasts with the darker ear coverts. Wings are slightly rufous-toned with pale fringes; underparts often faintly washed buff.
Diet
Takes ground-dwelling and low-vegetation invertebrates including beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders. Will occasionally snatch flying insects in short sallies. Berries and small fruits are eaten opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on bare ground patches, along paths, and beneath shrubs where leaf litter is sparse. Frequently forages at field margins, orchards, and dry wadis with scattered cover.
