The Pink Robin – is a beautiful songbird in the Genus Petroica of Australasian Robins. Dwelling in cool temperate forests of Southeastern Australia. They draw the attention of travelling birdwatchers and local nature lovers alike as they flitter about, oblivious to their celebratory status, feeding on spiders and insects including caterpillars, beetles, wasps, flies and ants. Pictured above is the male of the species with its distinct pink breast, grey-black upperparts, wings, and tail, a little white patch on its forehead, and white undertail. The female is less striking with a mostly brown colour above, a lighter brown below, with a light pink buff breast and buff barring on the wings. Young birds are very similar in colour to the adult female, although slightly darker and more puffed-up/scruffy looking.
They build their nest out of moss and spiderwebs, making a deep cup shape and lay 3-4 eggs, usually in the early spring.
During the cooler months around April to August mostly females and immature robins, often referred to as brown birds, will disperse out of the hills to more flat and dry areas.
Great places to see a Pink Robin are the waterfalls near Beech Forest, including Beauchamp, Hopetoun, and Triplet Falls. You might also find them by the creek at the Californian Redwoods and other waterways within the Otways. The robin pictured was taken at Melba Gully near Lavers Hill. Although uncommon, Pink Robins are typically found in damp areas, falls, and creeks throughout the Otways.
Published: 10/02/2025
Colac Birder 