The flame robin is a small passerine bird native to Australia. It is a moderately common resident of the coolest parts of south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Like the other two red-breasted Petroica robins—the scarlet robin and the red-capped robin—it is often simply called the robin redbreast. Like many brightly coloured robins of the Petroicidae, it is sexually dimorphic. Measuring 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) long, the flame robin has dark brown eyes and a small thin black bill. The male has a brilliant orange-red chest and throat, and a white patch on the forehead above the bill. Its upper parts are iron-grey with white bars, and its tail black with white tips. Female coloration is a muted grey-brown. Its song has been described as the most musical of its genus.
Region
Southeast Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs across the cooler parts of southeastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. Breeds mainly in wet and dry eucalypt forests, woodlands, and forest edges, especially at higher elevations along the Great Dividing Range. In the non-breeding season it often moves into open country, farmlands, heath, and coastal scrub. It favors areas with scattered trees, clear understory, and convenient hunting perches such as fence lines. Urban parklands and golf courses may be used in winter where suitable cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The flame robin is a small Australian passerine famed for the male’s brilliant orange-red breast and notably musical song. It breeds in cool, elevated forests and often descends to lower farmlands and coastal areas in winter. Pairs are strongly territorial in the breeding season, and the neat cup nest is bound with spider silk. It frequently perches on fence posts and low branches, sallying out to snatch insects from the air or ground.
Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania
The flame robin, Petroica phoenicea, 1931 by E. E. Gostelow
Flame robin near Goat's Beach, Tasmania, Australia
Juvenile with insect
Temperament
alert and territorial during breeding; otherwise fairly tame and confiding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Monogamous pairs defend territories in the breeding season, with the female building a cup nest of bark, grass, and moss bound with spider web. Nests are placed on sheltered branches, tree forks, or man-made structures. Outside the breeding season, birds may form loose flocks and often associate with other small insectivores. Both sexes participate in feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rich, musical series of clear, ringing whistles and trills, delivered from a prominent perch. Phrases are sweet and varied, often repeated, and carry well through forest edges. Calls include sharp ticks and soft contact notes.
