This photo is from the adjacent forest in the Ngorongoro Conservation District. This species is well adapted to parks and gardens and has been expanding its range in South Africa. In Tanzania it prefers higher elevations. This species is similar to the White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini) but is much paler, especially on the sides and flanks.
Four to six races are recognized depending on the authority. This is the darker most northerly subspecies.
Robin-chats were formerly classified as members of the Thrush family (Turdidae), but as first proposed by Sibley and Monroe and followed by the third edition of Howard & Moore are now usually recognized as members of the Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae). However this arrangement is not followed by all, most notably HBW which includes the subfamily Saxicolinae (chats) with the Thrushes.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LX5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter).