Collared Bush Robin

Overview

The collared bush-robin, also known as Johnstone's robin, is a small bird species in the family Muscicapidae that is endemic to Taiwan. It is currently assessed as a species of least concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length is approximately 12 cm with a black beak and legs.
• Males feature a slate-black head with a white supercilium, a rufous collar on the upper breast and mantle, and a sooty-black back.
• Females are duller with olive-brown upperparts, warm brown underparts, and a less distinct supercilium.
• Song consists of phrases of two or three high-pitched, sibilant notes, accompanied by calls including 'tuc' and 'pi' notes and a low 'grruit'.

Habitat

Found exclusively in Taiwan, this species inhabits montane and subalpine forests, typically between elevations of 2,000 and 2,800 m, often within the undergrowth of coniferous forests, shrubs, and bamboo. It may descend to lower elevations during winter and is occasionally observed in parks or along roadsides.

Diet

The collared bush-robin catches insects by striking from perches and forages for invertebrates on the ground and in low plants.

Did you know?

This species sometimes hybridises with subspecies formosanus of the white-browed bush robin.