Eastern Yellow Robin

1. Bright yellow belly and rump with grey upperparts

2. Off-white throat and faint pale eyebrow

3. Often perches sideways on tree trunks

Eastern Yellow Robins primarily eat insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they catch by pouncing from low perchesa classic “sit-and-pounce” strategy. They are often solitary but may be seen in pairs or small family groups. Breeding takes place from July to January, with females building a neat cup-shaped nest in a tree fork, usually within six meters of the ground. Each clutch has two eggs. Both parents feed the young, and sometimes older siblings help. The species may raise up to three broods in a season. While generally sedentary, some birds move to lower elevations during winter.

The Eastern Yellow Robin is widespread along the eastern and southeastern coasts of Australia, from northern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria into southeastern South Australia. It occupies a wide range of habitats, including wet and dry forests, rainforest edges, woodlands, and well-vegetated parks and gardens. The species is most often seen perched sideways on tree trunks or low branches, scanning the ground for prey, and is active and vocal at dawn.