White-starred robin

White-starred robin[1]
Nominate race
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Genus: Pogonocichla
Cabanis, 1847
Species:
P. stellata
Binomial name
Pogonocichla stellata
(Vieillot, 1818)
     approximate distribution

The white-starred robin (Pogonocichla stellata) is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher and chat family Muscicapidae. It is also sometimes more simply called the starred robin. It is monotypic within the genus Pogonocichla. There are around twelve subspecies. The species is found in East and southern Africa. It is a forest species, occurring in montane forest in the north of its range but closer to sea level further south. This is a brightly coloured robin with a bright yellow breast and belly, a slate coloured head with spots on the eyes and throat and blueish wings.

The white-starred robin gives a range of calls that vary geographically. The diet is dominated by insects, although some fruit is taken as well. It is a territorial and seasonal breeder that lays up to three eggs in a domed nest. The generic name Pogoncichla is derived from the Greek pogon for beard, a reference to the white spots on the throat and face, and kikhle for thrush.[3] Similarly the specific name stellata and the species' common name are also derived from the facial spots.[4]

  1. ^ Gill, F.; D. Donsker, eds. (2010). "Chats, Old World Flycatchers". IOC World Bird Names (version 2.4). International Ornithological Committee. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
  2. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Pogonocichla stellata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22709611A94216460. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22709611A94216460.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ^ Jobling, James A. (1991). A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 186. ISBN 0-19-854634-3.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bowie was invoked but never defined (see the help page).