White-breasted Robin

The White-breasted Robin, scientifically known as Eopsaltria georgiana, is a modestly adorned member of the Australasian robin family, Petroicidae. This species, native to southwestern Australia, presents a predominantly greyish plumage with a striking contrast of white underparts.

Identification Tips

Adults of both sexes exhibit blue-grey upperparts and whitish underparts, with a grey tail tipped in white. Their bills and feet are black, and they possess dark brown eyes. Notably, the males are slightly heavier than the females. Juveniles can be distinguished by their brownish coloration.

Habitat

This bird favors the dense undergrowth of tall forests dominated by karri trees, as well as dry sclerophyll forests with an understory of 2-3 meters in height. It is also found in coastal thickets over sand dunes on limestone soils.

Distribution

The White-breasted Robin is endemic to Western Australia, with its range extending from Geraldton to the continent's southwest corner. It occupies two distinct habitat types within this region.

Behaviour

The species is known for its sedentary nature, with pairs or small groups staunchly defending their territories. It is also a cooperative breeder, with breeding pairs often assisted by helper birds, predominantly males, in raising their young.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from late winter to early summer, with the potential for two broods. Nests are neatly constructed cups of dry grass, bark, and spider webs, typically situated in tree forks near watercourses. The eggs are pale olive- to blue-green, sometimes splotched with darker colors, and incubation lasts about 16 to 17 days.

Feeding

Insectivorous by nature, the White-breasted Robin forages primarily on or near the ground, within or beneath undergrowth, in search of its prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the White-breasted Robin as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.