While in Queensland for work last month, I had a free day which I used to visit the beautiful Lamington National Park.  One of the gorgeous birds I saw was the Eastern Yellow Robin.  This common but lovely little robin is the subject of our #60 Bird Photography Challenge. This 60th post in the series is the last for a little while. We are going through a major transition in our life and will take a break from these posts for a couple of months, but will resume once things have settled down.  

What does it look like?

A medium sized robin, about 15 cm in length, the Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis) has bright yellow underparts and a grey back and head.  You commonly see it perched sideways on the trunk of trees, as shown in the photo here, and you can’t help but smile when you see one in that position.  Northern birds are bright yellow, whereas southern robins are more olive-yellow.  The throat is off white and in flight you can see a pale off-white wingbar.  The bill is black.

Did you know?

The Eastern Yellow Robin is one of the earliest and clearest birds to call in the morning before dawn. It has a distinctive monotone pipping song.

How does it behave?

The Eastern Yellow Robin feeds on insects, worms, spiders and other invertebrates which it catches mainly on the ground, generally by pouncing from the side of a tree trunk or other low perch.  You will often see one clinging sideways and motionless on a tree or sapling, watching patiently for the movement of appetizing insects on the forest floor.

It seems little disturbed by human presence and being inquisitive it will approach quite close, which makes it a delight to photograph.

The nest is a woven cup of grasses and bark bound together with spider web and lined with leaves and moss. It is usually placed in the fork of a tree. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs.  Both parents tend for the young.

Where is it found?

The Eastern Yellow Robin is found in a wide range of habitats from woodlands to rainforests along the east and south east of Australia’s mainland.  It does not migrate great distances, but moves from higher to lower ground with the seasons.

All photos in the gallery were taken with the Canon 7dII and 100-400 lens, at the O’Reilly plateau at the end of the Lamington National Park in Queensland. I was very glad I packed my camera and big lens in my suitcase.  It is a rare occasion when my work schedule allows for such an escape and it was especially sweet to photograph these attractive little birds.  Click on any image in the gallery to display in full screen.