The Norfolk robin, also known as the Norfolk Island scarlet robin or Norfolk Island robin, is a small bird in the Australasian robin family Petroicidae. It is endemic to Norfolk Island, an Australian territory in the Tasman Sea, between Australia and New Zealand.
Region
Tasman Sea, Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
The species is confined to Norfolk Island and nearby Phillip Island, where it occupies remnant subtropical evergreen forest and regenerating woodland. It favors native canopy dominated by Norfolk Island pine and tree ferns with a dense, moist understory. Birds also use forest edges, gullies, and occasionally well-vegetated gardens near native habitat. Territories are maintained year-round in structurally complex forest with ample leaf litter and low perches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 320 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Once reduced to a very small population, the Norfolk robin has rebounded thanks to predator control, habitat restoration, and translocations to nearby Phillip Island. It builds neat cup nests from bark and spider webs, often well concealed on a vine or branch fork. Males frequently feed incubating females and the young. Protection of native forest remains crucial to its long-term survival.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that defend small territories year-round. Pairs construct a neat cup nest in a fork, on a horizontal branch, or within vines, and may raise multiple broods in good seasons. Both parents feed the young, with males often provisioning incubating females.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, sweet series of piping whistles delivered from exposed perches, interspersed with softer contact notes. Calls include sharp ticks and thin, high seeps, especially during territorial encounters.
