Species Profile
White-tailed Robin
Myiomela leucura
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: White-tailed Blue Robin
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Appearance
The White-tailed Robin has two distinct varieties. The standard variety's male has a striking bluish-black plumage with shiny mid-blue features on its forehead and shoulders, complemented by a distinctive white tail pattern that covers about two-thirds of the outer tail feathers. A small white neck patch is sometimes visible.
Females are quite different, appearing primarily mouse-brown above and buff-brown below, with the same white tail pattern as males. They also show a subtle white throat crescent. The Cambodian variety is similar but slightly smaller, with males appearing more slaty blue and females showing darker, more olive-toned colouring.
Both varieties share black bills and legs across all plumages.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Duller overall coloration compared to males, with brown upperparts and whitish underparts
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
White-tailed Robins inhabit subtropical and temperate montane forests across parts of South and Southeast Asia. They are found in countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of China, typically at elevations between 500 and 2,700 meters.
These birds prefer dense undergrowth in evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, often near streams or in areas with high humidity. They are non-migratory, maintaining their territories year-round in suitable habitats.
Distribution
Diet
The White-tailed Robin primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. They forage on the forest floor, using their sharp eyesight to spot prey among leaf litter.
Occasionally, they supplement their diet with small berries and fruits, especially during the non-breeding season.
Behaviour
White-tailed Robins are typically solitary or found in pairs, exhibiting a preference for foraging on or near the ground. They often perch low in undergrowth, making short flights to catch insects.
These birds are known for their habit of cocking their tails upwards, especially after alighting, which helps to display their distinctive white tail feathers.
Calls & Sounds
The White-tailed Robin's song is a series of clear, melodious whistles, often described as 'tee-tee-tee-tew-tew'. Their calls include a sharp 'chik' alarm note and a softer 'tuk-tuk' contact call.
Males are particularly vocal during the breeding season, singing from exposed perches to defend territory and attract mates.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for White-tailed Robins typically occurs from April to July, coinciding with the onset of monsoon rains in much of their range. Males establish territories and attract females with their melodious songs.
Nests are cup-shaped structures made of moss, leaves, and fine plant fibres, usually placed low in dense vegetation or tree hollows. Females lay 2-4 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 14 days, primarily carried out by the female. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 12-14 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after that.
Conservation
While the White-tailed Robin is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to deforestation in parts of its range.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting montane forest habitats, which are crucial for this species' survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for flashes of white as they flick their tails in undergrowth
- Listen for their melodious song, especially during breeding season
- Search in dense forest understory, particularly in mountainous areas
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
Did You Know?
- The White-tailed Robin's scientific name, Myiomela leucura, means 'white-tailed song bird' in Greek.
- Despite their name, these birds are not closely related to European robins.
- They play a role in seed dispersal by consuming and later excreting small fruits.
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