White browed scrub robin

Introduction: White-browed scrub-robins (Cercotrichas leucophrys) inhabit forest edges along riverine forests especially those dominated by Acacia woodland. A feature of their behaviour is the continuous up and down tail jerking when annoyed. Hops and runs when disturbed from resting locations.

Distribution: Common in the north and north-eastern regions of the country from Epupa Falls in Kaokoland ranging eastwards along the Kunene and Kavango Rivers to the Caprivi Strip and Victoria Falls. Also found in Etosha National Park, Erongo Mountains and Kaudom Park.
Diet: Forages mainly on the ground, especially from the dung of the black rhinoceros for beetles. Also eats, bees and wasps, spiders, millipedes, moths and caterpillars. Occasionally feeds on small fruits and takes nectar from flowers of the mountain aloe.

Description: A series of long and loud whistles from both male and female is used inform other species of territorial and defence purposes.
Breeding: A deep, dry grass, open cup is lined with flower heads and grass roots. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs from September to January, incubated for around 12 days.

Size: 15cm.

Weight: 20g.