EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN
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.
They are usually first seen perched on the side of a tree trunk or other low perch. When they spy a worm or other tasty morsel on the ground they pounce then return to their previous perch or fly a short distance to a new one. When flying their yellow plumage is distinctive but when still their grey colouring enables them to ‘disappear’.
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.
This robin is found in a wide range of habitats, from dry woodlands to rainforests. It can be common in parks and gardens, and can regularly be found in Fred Caterson Reserve by keen observers. It can be inquisitive and confident with humans, often taking handouts of food from picnickers.
Did you know? This robin is among the first birds to be heard at dawn and has a special dawn call. Their calls include a variety of high bell-like piping, a repeated "chop chop" and some scolding notes.
Information provided by BirdLife Southern NSW in conjunction with BirdLife Australia's Birds in Backyards Program.
Photos provided by Ákos Lumnitzer