Australasian Robins
Australasian Robins
Petroicidae
The Watchful Spirits of the Southern Forests: Australasian Robins (family Petroicidae) may share a name with Europe’s beloved robin, but they aren’t closely related at all. These charming, often confiding little birds are native to Australia, New Zealand, and the surrounding islands, where they fill the role of watchful forest sentinels—darting between branches, flicking their tails, and keeping a curious eye on the world around them. Unlike their more famous namesakes, Australasian Robins come in a variety of colors, from the striking red-and-black of the Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang) to the soft greys and yellows of the Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis). One of the most enchanting members is New Zealand’s North Island Robin (Petroica longipes), which is remarkably bold, often hopping right up to people in the forest, seemingly unafraid of human presence. These robins are insect-hunting specialists, perching motionless before suddenly dropping to the ground to snatch up prey with precision. They often follow large animals or even people, hoping for disturbed insects—an endearing behavior that makes them favorites among birdwatchers. Though small and often overlooked, Australasian Robins are a key part of their ecosystems, keeping insect populations in check and bringing life to even the quietest corners of the forest. They may not be true robins, but in personality and charm, they certainly live up to the name.