White-browed Robin-Chat

The White-browed Robin-Chat, also known as Heuglin's Robin, is one of the largest and most vocally celebrated members of the robin-chat group, widely admired across its range for its powerful, melodious song.

Appearance

• Dark grey to blackish crown and face with a broad, striking white supercilium (eyebrow stripe)
• Deep orange throat, breast, and underparts
• Olive-grey to slate upperparts
• Orange tail with dark central feathers
• Sexes look alike

Key field marks

• Bold, wide white eyebrow stripe against a dark grey-black face — broader and whiter than in other robin-chats
• Deep orange underparts extending from throat to belly
• Larger size compared to Cape Robin-Chat

Similar species

• Cape Robin-Chat has an orange (not white) eyebrow stripe and a grey, not deep orange, belly
• Red-capped Robin-Chat has a chestnut cap rather than a dark grey head with white brow
• Song is often the easiest way to separate robin-chats — the White-browed's dawn song is loud, varied, and far-carrying

Range

Found across central and eastern Africa, from South Sudan and Ethiopia south through East Africa into parts of southern Africa.

Habitat

Prefers dense riverine thickets, forest edges, reedbeds, and shady gardens with thick undergrowth, usually near water.

Migration

Mostly resident, though some local movements may occur with seasonal water availability.

Voice

Renowned for a loud, rich, and highly varied song, often delivered in duet at dawn and dusk from dense cover; it is an accomplished mimic, weaving calls of other bird species into its repertoire.

Feeding

Forages low down or on the ground in thick vegetation, taking insects, other invertebrates, and some fruit; often stays hidden, more often heard than seen.

Nesting and breeding

Builds a cup nest hidden low in dense vegetation, tangles, or occasionally in a bank crevice; typically lays 2–3 eggs.