Bush Buds: Scarlet Robin

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About me:

Scarlet by name, scarlet by nature - it’s easy to see where this little cutie got its name from! Male Scarlet Robins have an impressive bright red chest and a black back with a conspicuous white patch above their beak. Like many bird species, the females are more understated with a dull grey to brown coat and a lighter reddish chest.

These beautiful birds are monogamous and form a life-long relationship with their partner. They live in varied habitats across mainland Australia and Norfolk Island, here in the ACT you can find them in eucalypt woodlands and dry, open forest, particularly where shrubs, logs, coarse woody debris and native grasses are present. Feeding on insects, the Scarlet Robin adjusts its foraging behaviour seasonally, feeding mostly on the ground during the winter, and more commonly on bark and foliage during the summer and spring.

Threats:

Analysis of data from Canberra Ornithologist Group’s Woodland Bird Survey (2010) found strong evidence of decline in Scarlet Robin abundance in the ACT. More recent research has confirmed the species as one of five woodland-dependent species showing a long term decline in abundance over 14 years.The key threats are habitat loss and degradation, predation, climate change and competition. Nest sites, food sources and foraging habitat (such as standing dead timber, log and coarse woody debris) are susceptible to depletion by firewood collection, overgrazing and the ‘tidying up’ of rough pasture through mowing and slashing.

Become my Bush Bud!

Take a stand for Canberra’s nature by becoming a Bush Buddy with the Scarlet Robin! Register to stay updated and receive an invitation to walk with an expert in your species' habitat!