The white-crowned robin-chat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. Its range extends mainly across the western region of the Sudanian savanna. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Region
West Africa (Sudanian–Sahelian zone)
Typical Environment
Found from Senegambia east through the Sudanian savannas to at least western Nigeria and adjacent areas, with local occurrence in riparian belts and thorn-scrub. It inhabits dry savanna, gallery forest edges, dense shrubland, and wooded drainage lines. The species often uses tangled vegetation along seasonal streams and in bushy thickets. It can occur near human settlements where suitable cover persists. Local movements may follow rainfall and insect emergences, but it is not a long-distance migrant.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This robin-chat delivers a rich, melodious song that often includes mimicry of other birds, and it is especially vocal at dawn and dusk. It frequents dense thickets and riparian scrub, flicking its tail and giving sharp calls when alarmed. The species adapts well to lightly disturbed habitats, sometimes occurring in gardens and village edges.
At San Diego Zoo
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between low perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense cover. Pairs nest low in thickets or cavities, constructing cup-shaped nests from plant fibers and roots. Both parents typically provision the young, and adults may become conspicuous when defending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluty series of whistles and phrases, often complex and varied. Frequently includes mimicry of other species and is delivered from concealed perches, with peak activity at dawn and dusk.
