BIRD OF THE WEEK

Buff-sided Robin

When I first saw the Buff-sided Robin some 40 years ago, whilst visiting Lawn Hill Cattle Station, I was immediately struck by the character of this lovely bird. No long lenses required, just sit, listen and wait and it will come around to inspect you, landing on a branch nearby, to see if you disturb some insect to pounce upon. Like most Robins you can watch them for hours. 

The Buff-sided Robin is found in NE Western Australia, Northern Territory and in Queensland only found within the lower Gulf of Carpentaria region in the North West. 

A solitary breeder in the Spring/Summer from October to March. The nest is built by the female. A clutch of 2 to 3 eggs and one or two broods produced each season. The young are tended by both adults. It feeds mostly on invertebrates, some seeds and inhabits riparian monsoon forests. It can generally be quite easy to see and photograph any time of the year, with a little patience.

A generally common bird in suitable habitat, but appears to be declining as a result of destruction and degradation of riparian vegetation by indiscriminate and poorly managed cattle grazing and feral animals, mostly pigs and cats.

On our North West Queensland tour, the lovely Buff-sided Robin is high on the 'wanted' bird list when we visit Lawn Hill Gorge region.