The white-headed robin-chat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in northern Angola and the western Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is threatened by habitat loss, and its IUCN conservation status is the least concern.
Region
West-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern Angola and adjacent western Democratic Republic of the Congo, favoring dense understorey in evergreen and gallery forests. It uses forest edges, riverine thickets, and older secondary growth with tangled vines and saplings. The species typically keeps close to the ground or low strata, moving through shaded ravines and along streams. Habitat loss from logging and agriculture can limit local occurrence, but it remains in suitable fragments where cover is intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understorey bird of west‑central African forests, the white-headed robin-chat is instantly recognized by its striking white head and rich rufous tail. It honors the collector Gerd Heinrich in its scientific name. Though sensitive to forest clearance, it can persist in gallery and secondary forests where dense thickets remain. It often sings early in the morning from shaded perches.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense cover. Nests are placed low in thickets or tangles, typically cup-shaped and well concealed. Pairs communicate with soft calls and duet-like exchanges during the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty whistles delivered in measured phrases, often at dawn from a shaded perch. Includes mimicry and varied repeated motifs with clear, mellow notes.
