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Siberian Rubythroat (Luscinia calliope)

Siberian rubythroat male
Siberian rubythroat (male)

The Siberian Rubythroat (Luscinia calliope) is a small passerine bird that belongs to the Old World flycatcher family. Despite its name, it doesn't exclusively inhabit Siberia; it's actually a migratory bird that breeds in northern Asia, including parts of Siberia, and winters in South and Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent.

During the winter months, the Siberian Rubythroat migrates to various countries in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. It prefers habitats such as scrublands, grasslands, forest edges, and marshy areas with dense vegetation.

Here's a comprehensive description:

Size: Siberian Rubythroats are relatively small birds, measuring around 13 to 14 centimeters (5 to 5.5 inches) in length from beak to tail.

Plumage: Both males and females have similar plumage, but males are more brightly colored, especially during the breeding season. The most prominent feature of the male Siberian Rubythroat is its vibrant ruby-red throat, which is bordered by a narrow blackish collar. The upperparts are brownish with darker streaks or mottling, while the underparts are whitish with buffy or olive-brown flanks and belly. The wings and tail are brown with subtle barring.

Head: The head of the Siberian Rubythroat is brownish with a blackish crown. There may be subtle streaking or mottling on the crown. The face is adorned with a white eyering, adding to the bird's overall appearance.

Bill: The bill of the Siberian Rubythroat is relatively short and slender, typically dark in coloration.

Legs and Feet: The legs and feet of the Siberian Rubythroat are usually dark in color, matching the overall coloration of the bird's plumage.

Behavior: Siberian Rubythroats are often found in dense vegetation and undergrowth, where they forage for insects, spiders, and occasionally seeds. They have a somewhat secretive behavior, preferring to stay close to cover. During the breeding season, males may become more conspicuous as they sing from perches to defend territories and attract mates. Their song is a series of melodious whistles and trills.

Habitat: Siberian Rubythroats breed in the taiga and forested areas of northern Asia, including parts of Siberia. During the winter months, they migrate to warmer regions, including parts of South and Southeast Asia, such as the Indian subcontinent, where they can be found in a variety of habitats, including scrublands, grasslands, forest edges, and marshy areas.

Siberian rubythroat (female)


The Siberian Rubythroat displays sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females differ in appearance. Here's a breakdown of the distinguishing features:

Male Siberian Rubythroat:

The male Siberian Rubythroat is characterized by its vibrant plumage.

It has a striking red throat, bordered with black and white markings.

The upperparts are brownish, with black streaks, and the underparts are whitish with buffy flanks.

During the breeding season, the male's red throat serves as a prominent feature in courtship displays.

Female Siberian Rubythroat:

Female Siberian Rubythroats have more subdued plumage compared to males.

They lack the bright red throat and instead have a brownish throat with lighter streaking.

Overall, females have a duller appearance compared to males, with less distinct markings.

Juvenile Siberian Rubythroats often resemble females in appearance until they reach maturity. This sexual dimorphism is common in many bird species and serves various purposes, including mate attraction and camouflage.

Please don't use these images anywhere without permission. © All rights reserved by Birds of Indian Subcontinent

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