The scarlet robin is a common red-breasted Australasian robin in the passerine bird genus Petroica. The species is found on continental Australia and its offshore islands, including Tasmania. The species was originally split in 1999 by Schodde and Mason, and as the original collection by Gmelin was from Norfolk Island, this retained the name of multicolor, and is now known as the Norfolk robin.
Region
Southern Australia and Tasmania
Typical Environment
Occurs across southern Australia from southwestern Western Australia through South Australia and the southeast mainland to Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, and into southeastern Queensland, as well as Tasmania. It inhabits open eucalypt forests, woodlands with scattered trees, heathlands, and coastal scrub. The species prefers areas with clear sightlines and prominent perches, often near edges, tracks, and lightly grazed or burned habitats. Dense rainforests and treeless grasslands are generally avoided. Many upland birds move into lower elevations and more open sites outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The scarlet robin is an Australasian robin of the family Petroicidae, with males showing a vivid scarlet breast and a crisp white forehead spot. Females are brownish with a pale peach wash on the breast, aiding camouflage. It favors open eucalypt woodlands and edges and often perches conspicuously before sallying to the ground for prey. Although globally not threatened, it has declined locally where understory and deadwood are removed.
Male
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with darting sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season, maintaining well-defined territories. The cup-shaped nest is placed on horizontal branches or forks and bound with spider silk; both adults feed the chicks, though the female incubates. Outside breeding, some individuals join loose mixed-species foraging flocks, especially in more open habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of clear whistles and trills delivered from a perch, often with repeated phrases. Calls include sharp ticking notes used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Male with glossy black upperparts, bright scarlet breast, clean white lower belly and wing bar, and a distinct white forehead spot; female is brownish-grey above with a pale buff to peach breast and a whitish wing bar.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. Forages by watch-and-sally, dropping to the ground from a perch to seize prey, or gleaning from low foliage and bark. Occasionally consumes small seeds or berries, especially when invertebrates are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open woodland, forest edges, clearings, and lightly vegetated ground with scattered logs and leaf litter. Often uses low exposed perches such as fence lines, stumps, or lower branches to scan for prey.
