This is the most widespread robin-chat in East Africa. It can be shy, but this individual was extremely confiding, allowing close approach as it foraged on the lawn around the garden. Some authors call this bird Heuglin's Robin. Three races are recognized.
This is the nominate interior form. A coastal race is smaller.
This species is almost identical to the smaller, darker Rueppell's Robin-Chat (Cossypha semirufa) which occurs in highland forests of Mt.Kilimanjaro and adjacent mountains including the forest above Gibb's Farm. Note the gray upperside to the tail which should distinguish this bird from Rueppell's which has a black tail.
Robin-chats were formerly classified as members of the Thrush family, but are now recognized as members of the Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae) although this arrangement is not followed by all (e.g. HBW).
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LX5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter).