Snowy-crowned Robin Chat

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*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

Description

Snowy-crowned robin chats have orange feathers on their neck and bellies with darker black feathers on their head and wings. They are named for the single stroke of white on the top of their head.

Range & Habitat

Snowy-crowned robin chats can be found throughout western and central Africa in tropical forests and moist savanna regions.

At the Virginia Zoo, snowy-crowned robin chats live on the African Safari Trail boardwalk near the Giraffe Overlook.

Behavior

Both male and female snowy-crowned robin chats contribute to nest building and chick rearing, but only females incubate their eggs. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated for about two weeks. Birds are mature at six months old.

Chats in general are a type of songbird known for their fast songs that mimic the sounds of other birds.

Diet

These birds primarily eat insects, fruits, and seeds.

Conservation

Snowy-crowned robin chats are found throughout a wide geographic distribution, so they are considered to be common in their native habitat. They are listed as Least Concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with stable populations.

Fun Facts

• These birds are not in the same family as American robins. They are a part of the Old World Flycatcher family.