Gray-headed Robin

1. Dark grey head and nape with white throat and pale grey breast, creating a clear three-tone pattern.

2. White wing patch visible in flight.

3. Larger and stockier than many other Australian robins, with a confident upright posture.

These robins are primarily ground foragers, searching through leaf litter for insects, worms, and occasionally small vertebrates. They typically hunt by quietly perching low and then pouncing on prey. During breeding, males use distinctive whistling calls to communicate and feed their mates. Breeding occurs from August to January, with nests built as shallow cups made from bark, grass, dry leaves, and spider webs, often placed up to 1 meters high in vines. Clutches usually contain one or two eggs, which are buff or cream-coloured with brown spots. The species is sedentary, often remaining within a small territory for life. Their limited range and specialized habitat make them vulnerable to habitat disturbance.

Gray-headed Robins are restricted to the montane rainforests of northeastern Queensland, specifically from the Cardwell area north to the Bloomfield River and including ranges such as Mount Amos and Mount Spec. They spend most of their time in dense rainforest, often foraging on the forest floor or perched low on branches. Early morning walks along rainforest trails are the best time to spot them, as they are most active then. Their quiet, steady presence on the ground and their distinctive whistling call can help locate them in dense vegetation.