Eastern Yellow Robin
Least ConcernEopsaltria australis
Visual Identification
Eastern Yellow Robin
Appearance
The Eastern Yellow Robin is a small, plump bird with a distinctive bright yellow underside and rump. Its upper parts are olive-grey, with a white throat and a dark grey tail. The bird has large, dark eyes and a black bill.
Both males and females share similar plumage, making them difficult to distinguish visually. Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller colouration and faint streaking on the breast.
Size
Length
15cm to 16cm
Wingspan
18cm to 25cm
Weight
20g to 25g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Yellow Grey
Secondary Colour
Olive White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The Eastern Yellow Robin is endemic to Australia, found along the eastern and southeastern coasts, from northern Queensland to South Australia. It inhabits a range of forest types, including wet and dry sclerophyll forests and temperate and subtropical rainforests.
These birds prefer areas with dense understory and are commonly found in national parks and reserves. They are year-round residents and maintain their territories throughout the seasons.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,700 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Eastern Yellow Robins are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods, including beetles, moths, and spiders. They also consume small lizards and worms.
These birds often forage on the ground, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from low perches.
Behaviour
Eastern Yellow Robins are known for their 'pounce and return' foraging technique. They perch sideways on tree trunks, scanning the ground for prey before swooping down to catch it.
They are generally sedentary and territorial, often seen in pairs or small family groups.
Vocalisation
The Eastern Yellow Robin has a varied vocal repertoire. Its most common call is a clear, piping 'chop chop' or 'pip-pip-pip'.
During the breeding season, males produce a soft, warbling song. They also use a range of quiet, twittering notes for communication between pairs and family groups.
Nesting & Breeding
Eastern Yellow Robins typically breed between July and January. Pairs form strong, monogamous bonds and often remain together for multiple breeding seasons. They construct neat, cup-shaped nests using bark strips, grasses, and spider webs.
Nests are usually placed in the fork of a tree or shrub, well-concealed by foliage. The female lays 2-3 pale green or blue eggs with brown speckles. Both parents contribute to nest building and egg incubation.
Incubation lasts about 14 days, with nestlings fledging after another 14 days. Parents continue to care for fledglings for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Lifespan
The Eastern Yellow Robin typically lives for 5 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 14.7 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, the Eastern Yellow Robin is threatened by habitat fragmentation and loss due to urban development and agriculture.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving and connecting woodland habitats to maintain healthy populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their bright yellow underparts against tree trunks
- Listen for their piping 'chop chop' call
- Observe their characteristic sideways perching on vertical surfaces
- Search in the understory of forests and woodlands
- Visit Australian national parks in eastern and southeastern regions
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Yellow Robin
Family:
PetroicidaePredators
Main predators include snakes, goannas, and birds of prey such as the Pied Currawong and Australian Magpie.
Did You Know?
- Eastern Yellow Robins can live up to 14 years in the wild.
- They are one of the few Australian birds that perch sideways on tree trunks.
- These robins often return to the same perch after catching prey, a behaviour known as 'perch-and-pounce'.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Eopsaltria australis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22704849A254005548.
View source - 3 4
report, 2007: del Hoyo et al.
- 1
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source