The snowy-crowned robin-chat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is also known as the snowy-headed robin-chat. Its disjunct range extends across the northern half of Sub-Saharan Africa . Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and moist savanna.
Region
West to East Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in disjunct populations from West Africa across the Sahelian and Guinea–Congo belt to parts of East Africa. It favors subtropical and tropical dry forest, moist lowland forest, gallery forest, and wooded savanna. The species regularly uses thickets, riparian vegetation, and secondary growth near human habitation. It is typically found in dense understory where it forages close to the ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the snowy-headed robin-chat, this species is a shy but vocal skulker of dense undergrowth. Its ringing, melodious song often includes mimicry of other birds and is delivered most strongly at dawn and dusk. It adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges, which helps keep its populations stable across much of its range.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail-flicking
Social Behavior
Usually occurs alone or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense undergrowth. Nests are typically built low in tangles, shrubs, or cavities, concealed within thick vegetation. Both sexes are attentive to nest defense and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of whistles and phrases, often incorporating mimicry of other species. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, with songs delivered from concealed perches in thickets.
Plumage
Contrasting snowy-white crown atop a dark face and nape, with rich rufous-orange underparts and tail. Upperparts are dusky to olive-brown, with a clean division between the dark mantle and bright underparts. The tail and rump are rufous, often flicked while the bird moves through cover.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects and other small arthropods, gleaning from leaf litter and low foliage. It also takes spiders and small invertebrates and may occasionally consume berries or small fruits. Foraging is methodical and quiet, with bursts of activity followed by pauses to listen.
Preferred Environment
Forages near the ground in dense thickets, forest edges, gallery forests, and wooded savannas. Frequently uses shaded, moist microhabitats along streams and in secondary growth close to human settlements.
