White-throated robin

For the American or African species known by this name, see white-throated thrush and white-throated robin-chat.

The white-throated robin (Irania gutturalis), or irania, is a small, sexually dimorphic, migratory passerine bird.^[2] The vernacular and genus name Irania alludes to Iran, its type locality, while the specific name gutturalis is Medieval Latin for "of the throat".^[3] It breeds in western Asia and overwinters in East Africa.

White-throated robin
female and male
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Muscicapidae
Genus:	Irania de Filippi, 1863
Species:	I. gutturalis
Binomial name
Irania gutturalis (Guérin-Méneville, 1843)
Synonyms
Bessornis albigularis

Relationships

It was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, family Muscicapidae. It, and similar passerine species, are often called chats.

Description

This species is larger than the European robin, having a length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in) and a wingspan of 28 centimetres (11 in).^[4] The breeding male has lead-grey upperparts, a black face with a white throat and supercilium, and orange underparts. The tail is black, as is the strong bill. Females are plainer, mainly grey apart from a black tail, hints of orange on the flanks, and some white throat streaks.

Song

The male's song is a fast twittering, given from a bush or in flight. The call of this species is a chis-it double note, like that of the pied wagtail.

Food

ّWhite-throated robinis insectivorous. In addition to insects and fruit, the white-throated robin has been observed foraging for small invertebrates on the ground or in low vegetation, particularly during the breeding season when protein-rich prey is important for chick development.^[4]

Range and habitat

It is a migratory species, breeding from Turkey to Afghanistan in western Asia, and wintering in East Africa. In East Africa they are found in closed thicket in dry country, typically Acacia-Commiphora woodland on the dry central plateau. Small numbers reach the Usangu Plains of Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, which is normally their southern limit. In dry years however, some may move still further south, and reach moister uplands at 1,600 metres.^[5] It is also a very rare vagrant to Europe.

Breeding

The white-throated robin's breeding habitat is dry rocky slopes with some bushes, often at some altitude. It nests in a shrub, laying 4-5 eggs.

Media gallery

• Video of foraging male in Saudi Arabia, 1993
• 
  Male, showing white throat and rufous breast
• 
  Irania gutturalis - MHNT