The Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin is a distinctive passerine known for its rich, often mimetic song and its habit of skulking in dense undergrowth. It is characterized by its warm brown plumage and, as its name suggests, a rufous-coloured tail often held cocked.
Where to spot
Found across arid and semi-arid regions of northern Africa, extending through the Middle East to parts of Central Asia. It inhabits scrubland, acacia savanna, and desert oases.
How to spot
Look for movement low down in dense bushes or on the ground. Its rufous tail, often flicked or fanned, is a key identification feature. Listen intently for its varied and melodious song, which often includes imitations of other birds.
When to spot
Year-round resident throughout most of its range, though some populations might undertake short migratory movements. It is most active and vocal during the cooler parts of the day, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Where to spot
Found across arid and semi-arid regions of northern Africa, extending through the Middle East to parts of Central Asia. It inhabits scrubland, acacia savanna, and desert oases.
How to spot
Look for movement low down in dense bushes or on the ground. Its rufous tail, often flicked or fanned, is a key identification feature. Listen intently for its varied and melodious song, which often includes imitations of other birds.
When to spot
Year-round resident throughout most of its range, though some populations might undertake short migratory movements. It is most active and vocal during the cooler parts of the day, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Despite its name, the Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin is not a true robin but an Old World flycatcher, and it is a skilled mimic, often incorporating calls of other bird species into its complex songs.
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