Alternative names:
Black-throated Robin
Black-throated Blue Robin
- Calliope obscura
Identification
12.5-14.5 cm
Male
- Black throat and breast
- White underparts
- Dull dark blue upperparts
- White basal two-thirds to outer tail feathers
- Dark legs and feet
Female
- Unscaled below
- White undertail-coverts
- Buff tail
- Pale pinkish legs
Similar species
The female is very similar to the female of Siberian Blue Robin but it lacks the blue on the rump of the latter and it has a rufous tinge in the tail.
Distribution
Breeds in east-central China (south-eastern Gansu, south-western Shaanxi, northern Sichuan and northern Yunnan). A recent paper describes then as possibly more numerous than previously recognized, finding them on the southern slopes of the Qinling Mountains
Non-breeding grounds uncertain. Has been recorded in winter in northern Thailand and southern China.
A restricted-range species with only few recent records. Most probably declining due logging and conversion of forest to farmland.
Range per Clements update August 2021 - West central China (southeastern Gansu, southwestern Shaanxi, northern Sichuan and northern Yunnan)
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Formerly placed in genus Luscinia, sometimes also placed in genus Erithacus.
Habitat
Recorded in bamboo thickets on ridgetops and temperate forests in breeding season but exact habitat unknown; a recent report states the habitat as extensive dwarf bamboo with scattered trees above 2100 m asl. Occurs at 3050 to 3350m.
In winter recorded in secondary forest at 400m.
Behaviour
No information about diet.
Breeding season probably from May to August. Four unfledged young were recorded in August. No information about nest or breeding habits.
A migratory species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, J. A. Gerbracht, D. Lepage, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2021. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2021. Downloaded from https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- BirdLife International
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and D Christie, eds. 2005. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 10: Cuckoo-Shrikes to Thrushes. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334726
- Birdforum thread discussing recent findings for this species in post #91
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Blackthroat. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Blackthroat
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.
