If you love birds, you will be amazed by the flame robin, a small and colorful bird that lives in southeastern Australia and Tasmania. This bird is one of the most striking members of the Australian robin family, with a bright orange-red breast that contrasts with its dark gray or brown plumage. Here are some interesting facts about the flame robin that will make you appreciate this beautiful bird even more.

• Appearance: The flame robin is about 14 cm long and weighs between 11 and 15 g. The male has a dark gray head and upperparts, a white forehead patch, and white wing stripes and tail edges. The female is brown above and paler below, with darker wings and pale panels. Both sexes have black legs and bills, and dark brown eyes.
• Behavior: The flame robin is a social bird that often forages in small flocks on the ground, looking for insects and other invertebrates. It has a distinctive flight pattern, with rapid wing beats and glides. It also perches on low branches or fences, and sometimes hovers in the air. The flame robin has a variety of calls, including a sweet and melodious song, a sharp “tik-tik” alarm call, and a soft “chut-chut” contact call.
• Habitat: The flame robin prefers open habitats, such as farmland, grassland, heathland, woodland edges, and parks. It is mainly found in the cooler parts of southeastern Australia, from southern Queensland to eastern South Australia, and in Tasmania. It is a partial migrant, moving to lower altitudes or coastal areas in winter, and returning to higher altitudes or inland areas in spring.
• Threats: The flame robin is not considered threatened, but it faces some challenges, such as habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, due to agricultural and urban development, logging, and fire. It is also vulnerable to predation by cats, foxes, and raptors, and to competition from introduced birds, such as starlings and house sparrows. The flame robin is protected by law in Australia, and conservation efforts include monitoring its population trends, restoring its habitat, and controlling invasive species.

The flame robin is a remarkable bird that deserves our attention and admiration. It is a joy to watch and listen to, and a symbol of the diversity and beauty of Australian wildlife. If you want to see more stunning photos of the flame robin and other birds, check out the Bird Blink page on Facebook, where you can find amazing images and videos of nature and wildlife.