Rose Robin
Least ConcernPetroica rosea
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Rose Robin is a small, charming bird with striking sexual dimorphism. Males display a vibrant pink breast and belly, contrasting with a dark grey back, wings, and tail. Their forehead features a small white patch, enhancing their distinctive appearance.
Females are more subdued, with grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts. Both sexes have black bills, legs, and eyes, with the male's pink plumage being particularly eye-catching during the breeding season.
Size
Length
11cm to 13cm
Wingspan
18cm to 22cm
Weight
7g to 10g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Rose Robins inhabit wet sclerophyll forests, rainforests, and occasionally drier woodlands. They are found along the eastern coast of Australia, from southeast Queensland to eastern Victoria and Tasmania.
During winter, many individuals from higher elevations move to lower altitudes or coastal areas, seeking warmer conditions and more abundant food sources.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Rose Robin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Rose Robin demonstrates remarkable agility through its darting flight patterns and ability to catch insects mid-air. Their 'pounce and return' feeding behaviour and skilled navigation through dense forest canopy showcase their exceptional manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As one of Australia's smallest robins (7-10g), the Rose Robin has limited physical strength. Whilst capable of defending territory and catching small insects, their diminutive size naturally restricts their strength capabilities.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows good adaptability through seasonal altitudinal migration, ability to join mixed-species feeding flocks, and capacity to inhabit various forest types from wet sclerophyll to rainforest. Their partial migration patterns demonstrate flexible response to environmental changes.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays moderate aggression, primarily during breeding season when males defend territories. However, their territorial behaviour is mainly expressed through melodious songs rather than aggressive physical confrontations, and they readily cooperate in mixed-species flocks outside breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Whilst capable of seasonal migrations and regular hunting activities, their small size limits overall endurance. They manage altitudinal migrations and can maintain active feeding throughout the day, but their endurance is modest compared to larger or more migratory species.
Diet
Rose Robins are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small arthropods. They hunt by perching quietly and watching for movement, then swooping down to catch prey.
Their diet includes beetles, flies, moths, and spiders, which they capture with remarkable agility.
Behaviour
Rose Robins are known for their agile, darting flight as they hunt insects. They often perch on low branches, making short sallies to catch prey mid-air or glean from foliage.
During the breeding season, males become territorial, defending their areas with melodious songs and displays.
Vocalisation
The Rose Robin's song is a soft, sweet warble, often described as 'tseep-tseep-tseep' or a gentle 'whee-whee-whee'.
Males sing more frequently during breeding season, using their melodious calls to establish territory and attract mates. Their calls are quieter compared to other robin species.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from September to January, with pairs forming strong bonds. Males court females with soft songs and displays of their vibrant plumage.
Nests are small, neat cups made of bark strips, moss, and spider webs, typically placed in tree forks or among vines. Females lay 2-3 pale blue or greenish eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 14 days but remain dependent on adults for several weeks.
Lifespan
The Rose Robin typically lives for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 6.1 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, Rose Robins face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their preferred wet forest habitats, particularly in eastern Australia, where they are most prevalent.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for flashes of pink in the mid to lower canopy of wet forests
- Listen for their soft, sweet, warbling song, especially during breeding season
- Observe their characteristic 'pounce and return' feeding behaviour
- In Australia, focus on eastern coastal forests and ranges
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Pink Robin
Family:
PetroicidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Rose Robins are one of the smallest robin species in Australia.
- Their pink colouration comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet.
- They often join mixed-species feeding flocks outside of breeding season.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Petroica rosea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22704822A254006697.
View source - 3 4
report, 2007: del Hoyo et al.
- 1
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source