Flycatchers and chats · Perching birds
Siberian Rubythroat
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Luscinia calliope
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How to recognize it
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14.5–16 cm long
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Male with a bright red throat edged in narrow black
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Female with an ochre throat edged in dark grey-brown
About the species
The male Siberian Rubythroat is olive-brown above, with a pale underside and rusty patches on the wings. His bright red throat is edged in black and white, and a white eyebrow runs above each eye; the dark tail has red patches at the sides. Females are browner, with a muted ochre throat instead of red.
It keeps low as it searches through grass, shrubs and fallen branches for food. Its loud, brief song may begin with an imitation of another species, and its clear call repeats a whistled “fee-OO, fee-OO.”
It breeds in Siberian mixed coniferous forest with thick undergrowth, nesting near the ground. It feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, with berries also on the menu, and migrates south for winter to India and Southeast Asia.
Where to find
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During the breeding season, listen for the Siberian Rubythroat's loud, short song in Siberia's mixed coniferous forests with undergrowth.
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Among grass and shrubs, watch for ground-level searches for insects and other invertebrates — most feeding happens close to the ground.
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By fallen deadwood, look for foraging among the logs and branches — feeding here also stays close to the ground.
