The Black Robin is a common bird
(Saxicoloides fulicatus). Endemic sub species leucopterus is a resident in
Sri Lanka. In Sinhala it is called කළු පොල්කිච්චා (Kalu
Polkichcha). They can be seen in open
scrub areas running along the ground or perching on low shrubs and rocks. The
male’s long tails are held erect and they have a chestnut under tail covert and
a dark body. 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. The
species is often found close to human habitation and will frequently perch on
rooftops They feed mostly on insects Individuals may be seen late in the
evening to capture insects attracted to lights.
They breed in March to June
and August to September. Males sing during this season. Nests are built between
rocks, in holes in walls or in a tree hollow and lay three to four eggs. Juvenile
birds are much like females but the throat is mottled.
These photos were taken in
Athurugiriya and Gadadessa Estate, Kadugannawa.
