White-throated robin
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The white-throated robin (Irania gutturalis), or irania, is a small, sexually dimorphic, migratory passerine bird.[1] The vernacular and genus name Irania alludes to Iran, its type locality, while the specific name gutturalis is Medieval Latin for "of the throat".[2] It breeds in western Asia and overwinters in East Africa.
Relationships
It was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, family Muscicapidae. It, and similar passerine species, are often called chats.
Description
This species is larger than the European robin, having a length of Template:Convert and a wingspan of Template:Convert.[3] The breeding male has lead-grey upperparts, a black face with a white throat and supercilium, and orange underparts. The tail is black, as is the strong bill. Females are plainer, mainly grey apart from a black tail, hints of orange on the flanks, and some white throat streaks.
Song
The male's song is a fast twittering, given from a bush or in flight. The call of this species is a chis-it double note, like that of the pied wagtail.
Food
ّWhite-throated robinis insectivorous. In addition to insects and fruit, the white-throated robin has been observed foraging for small invertebrates on the ground or in low vegetation, particularly during the breeding season when protein-rich prey is important for chick development.[3]
Range and habitat
It is a migratory species, breeding from Turkey to Afghanistan in western Asia, and wintering in East Africa. In East Africa they are found in closed thicket in dry country, typically Acacia-Commiphora woodland on the dry central plateau. Small numbers reach the Usangu Plains of Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, which is normally their southern limit. In dry years however, some may move still further south, and reach moister uplands at 1,600 metres.[4] It is also a very rare vagrant to Europe.
Breeding
The white-throated robin's breeding habitat is dry rocky slopes with some bushes, often at some altitude. It nests in a shrub, laying 4-5 eggs.
Media gallery
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Video of foraging male in Saudi Arabia, 1993Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Male, showing white throat and rufous breastScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Irania gutturalis - MHNTScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
References
External links
Template:Sister project Template:Sister project
- Template:Field guide birds of the world
- Template:Avibase
- Photos at BirdGuides.com
- Photos and videos on Birds of the world