Whether perched on a wall, a rock or a fence post, the Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicatus) cannot sit still.  It flicks its tail, runs across the ground, suddenly chases an insect, returns to its perch and starts all over again. Among the many birds that share our towns, villages and open countryside, the Indian Robin is one of my favourites, although it doesn’t have spectacular colours or an imposing size. 

Small and energetic, the male looks almost entirely black from a distance. Look closely, and you will notice subtle shades of charcoal and brown, along with a lovely chestnut patch beneath the tail. The female is more understated, dressed in greyish-brown.

Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders and other small invertebrates. From a perch, it scans the ground before making a quick dash to grab its unsuspecting prey. The Indian Robin can also be surprisingly fearless, sometimes chasing away birds much larger than itself.

During the breeding season, the male becomes even more dramatic. He sings from rooftops, rocks and prominent branches, announcing his territory and trying to impress a potential mate. And then comes the tail-fanning. In courtship, a little music and choreography can be very effective.

Photos and text by Prerna Jain.