Swynnerton's robin is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae. It is monotypic within the genus Swynnertonia. The common and Latin names commemorate the entomologist Charles Swynnerton.
Region
Eastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in moist montane forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and the Eastern Highlands spanning eastern Zimbabwe and adjacent central Mozambique. Prefers mature evergreen forest with dense understory, including vine tangles, bamboo, and streamside thickets. Often keeps to shaded gullies and forest-floor leaf litter but also forages a short distance above the ground in shrub layers. Very sensitive to forest clearance and fragmentation, persisting best in large, continuous tracts of intact habitat.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Swynnerton's robin is a secretive forest robin-chat and the sole member of the genus Swynnertonia, commemorating entomologist Charles Swynnerton. It favors dense, moist montane forest undergrowth and is highly sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation. Pairs defend shaded territories and often stay close to the ground, where they glean and flick through leaf litter.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through understory
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs that hold and defend territories in dense forest. Monogamous breeding is likely, with both adults attending the nest and young. Nests are placed low in dense cover such as shrubs, banks, or ferny tangles, and the species remains close to cover when foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of fluted whistles and mellow phrases delivered from a low, concealed perch. Calls include sharp, thin contact notes and soft ticking when alarmed.
Plumage
Subtle, soft-textured plumage with grey-brown to olive-brown upperparts and warm rufous-ochre underparts; throat slightly paler. Fine pale eye-ring and neat facial patterning; tail and wings darker with subdued contrast.
Diet
Primarily small invertebrates such as insects, larvae, and spiders taken from leaf litter and low foliage. Occasionally snatches prey by short sallies or pounces to the ground. May supplement its diet with small snails or berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded forest-floor habitats, along damp gullies, and beside streams where leaf litter and cover are abundant. Uses dense understory, bamboo clumps, and vine tangles to remain concealed while feeding.
