Indian Robin

Description:

The Indian Robin is sexually dimorphic in plumage with the main being mainly black with a white shoulder patch or stripe whose visible extent can vary with posture. The males have chestnut undertail coverts and these are visible as the bird usually holds the 6–8 cm long tail raised upright. The females are brownish above, have no white shoulder stripe and are greyish below with the vent a paler shade of chestnut than the males.

Habitat:

Seen in an open forest.

Notes:

The breeding season is December to September but varies according to region and usually begins with the first rains. Males sing during this season and display by lowering and spreading their tail feathers and strutting around the female, displaying their sides and fluffing their undertail coverts. The songs of males have variants for inviting mates and for deterring other males. Males will drive away other males and patrol their territory by flying with slow wing-beats from perch to perch. They may sometimes peck at their reflections. An aggressive display involves fluffing up the feathers and holding the bill high.