How to identify forest robins
5 minute read
This ID guide is for Australian robins that live in the temperate rainforests of eastern and southern Australia - the Eastern Yellow Robin, Flame Robin, Pink Robin and Rose Robin.
Eastern Yellow Robin
Male and female: Both sexes look alike — soft grey face, chin and back, lemon-yellow underparts and a dark eye.
Found in: Forests and woodlands along eastern and southeastern Australia, from Cooktown to Adelaide, including coastal and mountain ranges. One of the friendliest and most familiar robins on the east coast - often seen perched sideways on tree trunks.
Flame Robin
Male: Slate-grey head and back, white spot over bill, flame orange-red breast that flows down to the belly, white tail edges and white bar on folded wing.
Female: Plain grey-brown above, buff white spot over bill, light brown/faint peach wash on the breast. Buff broken-arrow wingmark. Less contrast than Scarlet Robins.
Found in: Southeastern Australia and Tasmania - seen in cool mountain forests in summer and open paddocks and woodlands in winter at lower elevations.
Rose Robin
Male: Rosy pink breast, white belly, grey head and back, white spot over bill and no wing bar.
Female: Brownish-grey with a pale pink tinted breast, pail wing bar and white-edged tail.
Found in: Eastern Australia, from far north Queensland to Victoria - especially in rainforest and dense gullies.
Pink Robin
Male: Vibrant pink belly and breast, dark grey head and back, small white spot above the bill and faint wing bars.
Female: Brownish overall with a small pale mark over bill, buff-coloured broken-arrow wingmark and breast may have a pink tint.
Found in: Cool temperate rainforest in southeastern Australia and Tasmania, including the Otways, Central Highlands and Bruny Island.
Weekend Birder episodes
Learn more about robins in these short podcast episodes:
