About Petroica boodang (Lesson, 1837)
The scarlet robin, scientifically named Petroica boodang (Lesson, 1837), is a member of the Australasian robin group. Like other Australasian robins, it is a stocky passerine bird with a large head. Adults measure 12 to 13.5 cm in length and weigh between 12 and 14 g. This species shows sexual dimorphism in plumage. Males have black heads, backs, and tails, black-and-white wings, a bright scarlet red breast, and white belly, forehead, and rump. Females share the same general pattern as males, but have duller coloration: their plumage is brown rather than black, their breast red is much more washed-out, and their belly is buff. Juvenile birds look similar to females, but lack the reddish breast wash. The scarlet robin is endemic to Australia. Its range extends along the coast from southern Queensland to central South Australia, and also includes Tasmania and southwest Western Australia. Most populations of the species stay in their range year-round, but some mainland populations make small local movements in autumn and winter, moving to either more open habitats or lower elevations. Scarlet robins are most commonly found in eucalyptus woodland and forest from sea level up to 1000 m, and they particularly favor more open areas with grassy and shrubby understories. In winter, they occupy more open environments, including urban habitats.
