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.
Plumage
Male with glossy black upperparts, vivid scarlet breast and upper belly, and clean white lower belly; a small white forehead spot is typical. Female is warm brown above with buff to pale orange-washed underparts and a whitish belly. Norfolk birds tend to show reduced or minimal wing bars compared with some mainland relatives.
Diet
Primarily hunts small invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, caterpillars, and other arthropods. It uses a sit-and-sally strategy, dropping to the ground or making short flights to snatch prey. Birds also glean from trunks, low branches, and leaf litter. Occasional small fruits may be taken, but animal prey dominates the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded understory, along forest edges, and on the forest floor where leaf litter accumulates. Low perches, fallen logs, and vine tangles are frequently used as hunting platforms.
