Scarlet Robin

The Scarlet Robin is a small Australian songbird known for the striking colours of the male and its soft, musical calls. These robins are often seen perched on low branches before dropping to the ground to catch insects. During the cooler months, some populations move to lower elevations, where they can be found in more open habitats, including parks and gardens.

Physical Appearance

The male Scarlet Robin is easily recognised by his vivid scarlet-red breast, black head and upperparts, white belly and prominent white forehead patch. White markings also appear on the wings and edges of the tail. Females are much more subdued, with brown-grey upperparts and a dull orange-red wash across the breast. Young birds resemble females and gradually develop their adult plumage.

Habitat

Scarlet Robins inhabit forests and woodlands with an open understorey. In south-eastern Australia, they are commonly associated with eucalypt forests and woodlands, particularly in areas with fallen timber and leaf litter that provide feeding opportunities. Some birds move to more open habitats at lower elevations during autumn and winter.

Behaviour

Diet: Scarlet Robins mainly eat insects and other invertebrates. They often perch on a low branch, stump or fallen log before pouncing onto prey on the ground.
Foraging: These robins spend much of their time close to the ground when feeding. They may also search among shrubs and trees for insects.
Song: The male Scarlet Robin has a distinctive musical trill and sings from prominent perches to advertise and defend his territory.
Territorial: Scarlet Robins defend breeding territories from other Scarlet Robins and may also defend them against Flame Robins when the two species occur together.

Breeding

Nesting: The female builds the nest. She constructs a small open cup from bark, grass and moss, held together with spider web and often decorated with lichen. Nest building takes around four to ten days.
Parental care: The female incubates the eggs, while the male feeds her during incubation. After the chicks hatch, both parents feed them. Scarlet Robin nests face several threats, including snakes and nest predators such as Pied Currawongs. Their nests may also be targeted by cuckoos, which lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.
Breeding period: August to January.