Eastern Yellow Robin.
Photo: Bob Ravich © Bob Ravich
Eastern Yellow Robin.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Eastern Yellow Robin. Image from: John Gould (1804-81) The birds of Australia 1840-48. 7 vols. 600 plates Artists: J. Gould and E. Gould; Lithographer: E. Gould.
Photo: Research Library © Australian Museum
Eastern Yellow Robin chick. August 2005, Middle Head, Sydney.
Photo: J. Palmer © J Palmer
Eastern Yellow Robin at nest.
Photo: Norman Chaffer Estate © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Eopsaltria australis
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Eastern Yellow Robin
Scientific name: Eopsaltria australis
Family: Petroicidae
Order: Passeriformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Survey species
- Small insect-eating birds
What does it look like?
Description
The Eastern Yellow Robin is a medium sized robin. It has a grey back and head, and yellow underparts. Southern birds have an olive-yellow rump, while in northern birds it is brighter yellow. The throat is off-white and, in flight, there is a pale off-white wing bar. The bill is black. Both sexes are similar in plumage colour and pattern, but the female is slightly smaller. Young Eastern Yellow Robins are rufous-brown. The plumage has some paler streaks, which are confined to the wings when the birds are a little older.
Similar species
The Western Yellow Robin, Eopsaltria griseogularis, found in the south-west and south of Australia, differs from the Eastern Yellow Robin by having a grey breast. Another somewhat similar species is the Pale Yellow Robin, Tregellasia capito. This species is smaller, and has a pale face and lighter underparts.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Eastern Yellow Robin is confined to the east and south-east of the Australian mainland. The range is mostly along the coastal and adjacent areas, but does extend quite large distances inland in some areas.
Habitat
Eastern Yellow Robins are found in a wide range of habitats, from dry woodlands to rainforests. They are also common in parks and gardens, and are usually first seen perched on the side of a tree trunk or other low perch.
Seasonal movements
Altitudinal migration to lower areas in winter.
What does it do?
Feeding
Eastern Yellow Robins feed on insects, spiders and other arthropods. These are caught mostly on the ground, and are pounced on from a low perch. Some handouts are also taken at picnic areas. Birds normally feed alone, but may also be seen in pairs or small family groups.
Breeding
During breeding season, breeding pairs of Eastern Robins may lay up to three clutches of eggs. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs. The nest is a woven cup of bark, grasses and other vegetation, bound together with spider web and lined with finer material and leaves. It is normally built in an upright tree fork, up to 20 m above the ground, but usually within 5 m. Both parents, and sometimes some other helpers, care for the young birds.
Living with us
Living with humans
Eastern Yellow Robins are inquisitive and confident with humans, often taking handouts of food from picnickers.
References
Boles, W.E. 1988. The Robins and Flycatchers of Australia. Angus and Robertson and The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Schodde, R. and Tideman, S.C. (eds) 1990. Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds (2nd Edition). Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney.