White-throated Robin
Irania gutturalis
The White-throated Robin is a strikingly patterned Old World songbird, with breeding males showing slate-gray upperparts, orange underparts, and a bold white throat outlined in black.
- Feather type
- Soft body plumage; male shows a contrasting white throat patch
- Colours
- Slate-gray upperparts, orange underparts (male), white throat patch bordered black
- Bird size
- Small songbird, ~16-17 cm
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Overview
Overview
The White-throated Robin is a distinctive migratory songbird of the Middle East and Central Asia, related to nightingales and chats rather than true robins. Breeding males are boldly patterned with a white throat bordered by black, contrasting with orange underparts and slate-gray upperparts.
- Not closely related to the American Robin or European Robin despite the name
- Breeding males show one of the more strikingly patterned throats among chat-relatives
- Long-distance migrant wintering in East Africa
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
White-throated Robin feathers show strong contrast in breeding males and more subdued tones in females.
- Throat feathers (male): Bright white, sharply bordered below by a black band, one of the most distinctive features in the group
- Upperpart feathers (male): Slate-gray, unmarked
- Underpart feathers (male): Warm orange, extending from the breast to the flanks
- Female feathers: Duller grayish-brown overall, lacking the male's bold white-and-black throat pattern
- The sharply bordered white throat patch is diagnostic for adult male feathers of this species
Plumage & Molt
Plumage, Sex & Age Differences
Adult males show a striking combination of slate-gray upperparts, orange underparts, and a white throat outlined in black. Females and immatures are much plainer, grayish-brown overall with a paler, unmarked throat. A complete molt occurs after the breeding season, with plumage otherwise stable through the year.
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
White-throated Robins breed on rocky, scrub-covered slopes across parts of the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The species is a long-distance migrant, wintering in East Africa, and is present on its breeding grounds only during the spring and summer months.
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior, Voice & Field Notes
White-throated Robins forage on the ground and in low scrub for insects and other invertebrates, often perching prominently on rocks or shrubs. Their song is a rich, varied warble, and they can be somewhat shy, retreating into cover when disturbed. Nests are built low in dense scrub or rocky crevices on breeding grounds.
Frequently asked questions
What feather feature identifies a male White-throated Robin?
A bright white throat sharply bordered by black, combined with orange underparts and slate-gray upperparts.
Is the White-throated Robin related to the American Robin?
No, despite the name it belongs to the Old World chat and nightingale group, not true robins.
Where does the White-throated Robin breed?
On rocky, scrub-covered slopes in the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Do female White-throated Robins show the bold throat pattern?
No, females are plainer grayish-brown without the male's bold white-and-black throat.
White-throated Robin guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding White-throated Robin.
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