Scarlet Robin

Scarlet Robin

(Petroica multicolour)

The male scarlet robin will convince the females of his credentials as a mate by feeding her, then extending his wings downwards to show off his alluring white wing patches.

The males have a bright red breast, black chin, head, back and tail, with large white patches above the beak and a broad white patch on each wing. 

The much paler female has a greyish-brown throat, back, wings and tails, with white feathers on the wings and tail.  The breast is a duller red with a white belly and undertail.  Scarlet robins grow to 12 – 13cm long.

Last modified 25-09-2008 03:17 PM