This photogenic species is well adapted to parks and gardens and has been expanding its range in South Africa. It resembles the White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini) but is much paler, especially on the sides and flanks. The Afrikaans name for this species, “JAN Frederik” gives the rhythm of its call, with the end-notes run together. Four to six races are recognized depending on the authority. This is the palest most southerly subspecies. Robin-chats were formerly classified as members of the Thrush family (Turdidae), but as first proposed by Sibley and Monroe (1991) are now usually recognized as members of the Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae). Some authors place this species in the genus Dessonornis following application of controversial criteria proposed by Tobias et al.. Canon PowerShot SX50 HS.
References:
Collar, N. (2018). Cape Robin-chat (Dessonornis caffer). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/58442 on 24 June 2018).
Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L . 1991. Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven and London.
Sinclair, I.; Hockey, P.A.R., Arlott, N. (2005). The Larger Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.
Tobias, J. A., Seddon, N., Spottiswoode, C. N., Pilgrim, J. D., Fishpool, L. D. C. and Collar, N. J. 2010. Quantitative criteria for species delimitation. Ibis 152: 724–746.