Pale-yellow Robin

The Pale-yellow Robin (Tregellasia capito) is a modestly adorned passerine bird, belonging to the family Petroicidae. It is a creature of subtle beauty, with a grey head and olive upperparts, a white throat, and yellow underparts that give it its name. Both sexes share a similar appearance, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Identification Tips

Adult Pale-yellow Robins measure between 12 to 13.5 centimeters in length and weigh approximately 15 to 18 grams. They possess a grey head that transitions into olive-green upperparts, with the wings and tail bearing a more brownish hue. The throat is white, and the lores vary from off-white in the southern race to buff in the northern race. The breast and belly are a delightful yellow. Their legs are a striking yellow-orange, and they have a dark brown iris. The bill is thin and black, around 1.5 centimeters long. Juveniles can be identified by their rufous coloration with paler streaks on the head.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, with a particular affinity for dense eucalypt forests and areas where the lawyer vine proliferates.

Distribution

The Pale-yellow Robin is endemic to eastern Australia, with a range extending from Mount Amos to Paluma in North Queensland, and from Cooloola on the Sunshine Coast south to Barrington Tops National Park in New South Wales.

Behaviour

The Pale-yellow Robin is a sedentary and somewhat secretive bird, spending much of its time in the arboreal realm. It is primarily insectivorous, though it may occasionally consume seeds to supplement its diet.

Song & Calls

The species is known for its trilling call, which is typically heard during displays or when the bird is defending its territory.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Pale-yellow Robin spans from July to December. They may produce one or sometimes two broods per season. The nest, often incorporating the prickly lawyer vine, can be located up to 10 meters above ground, though it is frequently found much lower. The female lays a clutch of 2 oval eggs, pale green in color with brownish splotches, each measuring 20 by 15 millimeters.

Similar Species

The Pale-yellow Robin can be distinguished from the Eastern Yellow Robin by its yellow-orange legs and smaller size. The Eastern Yellow Robin has black legs and is slightly larger.

Diet and Feeding

Insectivorous by nature, the Pale-yellow Robin forages for insects, occasionally diversifying its diet with seeds.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Pale-yellow Robin as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.