Hooded Robin

The Hooded Robin, Melanodryas cucullata, is a small passerine bird native to the vast landscapes of Australia. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with a striking black-and-white plumage, while the female is cloaked in a more subdued grey-brown attire.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Hooded Robin, look for its black "hood" covering the head and neck, contrasted by a white shoulder stripe and underparts. Its black wings are marked with white bars, and the square-ended tail features white tips visible in flight. The female, on the other hand, is grey-brown above with a pale grey throat and lighter underparts, complemented by dark brown wings with white bars.

Habitat

The Hooded Robin thrives in dry open forests where acacia and eucalypts provide a mosaic of perching opportunities. It favors areas with native grasses interspersed with logs and branches, which are essential for its foraging and breeding.

Distribution

This bird is found across various regions of Australia but is notably absent from Tasmania, the Nullarbor Plain, Cape York, and the interior around the Simpson Desert. Its range extends from southeast Queensland to South Australia's southeast corner and across the northern and southwestern arid zones.

Behaviour

The Hooded Robin is a sedentary species, often seen in pairs or small groups. Males may exhibit territorial aggression towards other insectivores. Both sexes are known to perform injury-feigning displays to protect their nests from predators.

Song & Calls

The male Hooded Robin's call can be heard in the early morning, contributing to the dawn chorus in its habitat.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from July to November, with the species raising one or two broods. The nest is a neatly constructed cup of grass and bark, lined with spider webs, feathers, and fur. The female incubates the eggs, while the male provides food and occasional brooding.

Similar Species

The Hooded Robin may be confused with other robins or flycatchers, but its distinctive plumage and behavior set it apart.

Diet and Feeding

This bird primarily feeds on small lizards and arthropods, which it catches by pouncing from low perches.

Conservation status

The Hooded Robin is listed as Least Concern globally, but two subspecies are of concern in Australia. M. c. melvillensis is Critically Endangered, possibly extinct, and M. c. cucullata is Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss and predation.

Threats

The species faces threats from habitat fragmentation, competition, predation by feral cats, and changes in fire regimes. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and managing its habitat to ensure its survival.