Western Yellow Robin

The Western Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria griseogularis) is a charming bird native to Australia, belonging to the Australasian robin family, Petroicidae. It is not closely related to the European or American robins but is an early offshoot of the Passerida group of songbirds. This species measures between 13.5 and 15.5 cm in length, with a wingspan of 24–27.5 cm and a weight of around 20 g. Both sexes share a similar plumage of grey upperparts and a grey breast, adorned with whitish streaks near the bill and below the eye. The belly is a conspicuous yellow, and the rump color varies between subspecies, with subspecies griseogularis sporting a yellow rump and subspecies rosinae an olive-green one.

Identification Tips

The Western Yellow Robin can be identified by its grey head and upperparts, white throat, and bright yellow underparts. The bird's lores are black, and it has a paler grey eyebrow. Juveniles are distinguishable by their dark brownish head and upper parts with creamy white streaking, and a belly tinged with brown.

Habitat

This species thrives in open eucalypt forests, woodlands, and scrublands, with a preference for habitats that have a significant understory. It is particularly fond of areas with a thick canopy, ample leaf litter, and fallen logs, which provide a rich hunting ground for its insect prey.

Distribution

The Western Yellow Robin is found in the southwest of Western Australia, extending along the state's southern coastline and reaching the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. It is a sedentary bird, maintaining its presence within its range throughout the year.

Behaviour

Typically observed alone or in pairs, the Western Yellow Robin may occasionally form small groups, likely consisting of a mated pair and helper birds. During the cooler months, it may join mixed-species foraging flocks.

Song & Calls

The bird's song is characterized by extended whistles, starting with two brief piped notes, often heard before dawn with a mournful quality. It also emits a scolding call of 'ch-churr' and a two-syllabled 'zitting' call.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from July to early January, peaking between September and November. The nest, built by the female, is a cup-shaped structure made of bark, grass, and twigs, bound with spider webs. Clutches typically contain two or three eggs, which are incubated for about fifteen days.

Similar Species

The Western Yellow Robin is unique within its range and does not closely resemble any other species. The Eastern Yellow Robin, a similar species, is found only in the eastern states of Australia.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is predominantly composed of insects and other arthropods, with occasional seeds. The robin forages by scanning the ground from a perch and pouncing on prey, mostly on the ground.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Western Yellow Robin as Least Concern. While the species has declined in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation, it maintains a large distribution and population that does not currently warrant a higher conservation status.