Erythropygia paena

The Kalahari Scrub-robin is a seasonal breeder, with the season stretching from August to February, and peaking in November, also the peak of the wet season. The species is monogamous and territorial, with territory sizes varying from 0.7 - 4.3 ha. Females are responsible for constructing the nest, which are weaved of shrubs and grasses and placed in low thorny bushes. The nest building stage takes around 5 days. The average clutch size is around 2 eggs, although clutch size is bigger later in the season. Only the female incubates the eggs, the male defends the nest, aggressively attacking intruders and warning when predators approach. The incubation lasts around 12 days. Having hatched the female removes the eggshells from the nests and drops them away from the nest to disguise the nest from potential predators. After hatching the female broods the chicks for a between 3–7 days. Both parents help in feeding the chicks and removing the faecal sacks. The chicks are altricial and take around 12 days to fledge.

Picture of the Erythropygia paena has been licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike.
Original source: Flickr user Alastair Rae . Photo uploaded to commons by user ltshears
Author: Flickr user Alastair Rae . Photo uploaded to commons by user ltshears

The Erythropygia paena is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Nothing known about the Erythropygia paena

Order : Passeriformes
Family : Muscicapidae
Genus : Erythropygia
Species : paena
Authority : Smith, 1836