Rufous-tailed Robin

The Rufous-tailed Robin is a bird of the Old World with a rather unsettled history, but it is most often classified in the Thrush family.  They normally breed in northeastern Asia and winter in southeastern Asia.  In North America, they are known from a handful of confirmed sightings, including on St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea, and in the far western Aleutians.

Habitat: Found in forested habitats, primarily in areas with well-developed forest undergrowth.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects and spiders, but will also occasionally feed on small fruits and berries.

Behavior: Primarily forages low in vegetation or on the ground.  Often flicks its tail while foraging.

Song: Insect like chirrrup

Migration: Highly migratory, breeding in areas of Northeast Asia, and primarily wintering in southeastern Asia.

Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Rufous-tailed Robin sightings

Similar Species: Compared to North American species, it is most similar in appearance to thrushes such as the Hermit Thrush or Veery.

Conservation Status: Populations are considered stable, they are common in parts of their range, and they are found over a relatively wide geographic area.  The IUCN lists the Rufous-tailed Robin as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) Birdlife International -Rufous-tailed Robin

2) BirdGuides - Rufous-tailed Robin

3) ABA - Rare Birds Blog - Rufous-tailed Robin, Alaska

Photo Information: Photo taken by JJ Harrison - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License.

 

Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view

South Dakota Status: Not resident in South Dakota

Additional Rufous-tailed Robin Photos (Coming soon)