Red-capped Robin-chat hybrid

With a visit to Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve imminent and reports of hybrid Red-capped Robin-chats being ringed there, I thought it appropriate to post these photos of what we should be looking for.

Red-capped Robin-chat Cossypha natalensis and Chorister Robin-chat Cossypha dichroa are now known to hybridise where their breeding ranges overlap. These hybrids were previously thought to be a separate species and were described as Haagner's Robin-chat Cossypha haagneri.
Although superficially similar to the pure Red-capped Robin-chat the main distinguishing feature of the Crookes hybrid birds is the slaty grey cap. Normally the cap is reddy-brown (see here).

Red-capped Robin-chat x Chorister Robin-chat hybrid
Note the dark grey cap
(Photo Dr Craig Symes)

Red-capped Robin-chat x Chorister Robin-chat hybrid
Note the dark grey cap
(Photo Dr Craig Symes)



These hybrids are not necessarily restricted to Vernon Crookes, so please be on the lookout in your neighbourhood and if you see one please contact us.