- Petroica rodinogaster
Identification
Length 11.5-13cm (4.5-5.1in). Black throat and upperparts, tan-buff wing-bars, deep lilac-pink breast and belly, small white patch on the forehead. Plain tail. Females - olive-brown upperparts, cinnamon-buff underparts, a buff forehead spot, and pink wash on the breast.
Similar Species
Similar in morph and markings to all the other members of its genus, but P. rodinogaster is the only one with pink (instead of red) over the entire chest and belly. Only the crissum is white.
Distribution
Uncommon in Australia - southern Victoria and south-east New South Wales as well as in Tasmania.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Damp forest and open habitat.
Behaviour
Diet includes spiders and insects, which it takes by watching patiently from a perch, then dropping to the ground.
The nest, made by the female, is deep and spherical made of moss, cobwebs, lichen, and fur. 2 clutches can be produced.
