Text Box:               A Proven Species                             The Redcapped Robin                              (Petroica goodenovii)        by Brett Robinson The Redcapped Robin would have to be one of the best Softbill species to keep in captivity, there constant aerobatics can keep you captivated for hours. The Redcapped Robin was one of the first Softbill Species trapped from the wild and brought into captivity and has no doubt proven its self to be one of the ideal aviary species. It is certainly one of the ideal birds for the novice, as it is very hardy and will mix well with other selected species.Over the last 18 years or so, I have mixed Redcapped Robins with a number of Softbill species including, White winged wrens, Red winged wrens, Variegated wrens, Red backed wrens, Southern emu wrens, Striated grass wrens, Purple backed wrens, Splendid wrens, and many more. They are also mixed with, Chats (Orange,Crimson,White) and Yellow Robins. In the past they have also been mixed with some Finches including, Diamond Firetail, Painted Firetail, Orange Breast, Black Heart, Cordon Blue, Masked, Double Bar, Gouldian, Black, Tri, and Silver Nuns, and I have had little problems. However if you are going to mix any Softbills with either Finches or other Softbills, I would strongly suggest Caution and if you are in any doubt seek advise Before you mixthem. The above is a guide only, as some Redcapped Robins can be more aggressive than others, and the same should be said for some of the wrens listed in particular, Splendid Wrens which can be very aggressive, so how do you know? as a guide you should ask the breeder you are receiving the birds from if he recommends mixing that particular species with other Softbills or Finches. Redcapped Robins can be housed in relatively smaller aviaries however they do much better in larger aviaries ( 20ft x 10ft ) or over. Landscaping should be kept to a minimum ( if mixing with other Softbills or finches, you should take into account there needs as well ) with large open areas for hunting. Plenty of perching should be offered by way of dead branches, these make great vantage points for hunting Continued over page..

 

Article taken from S.G.W.A October 2001 Magazine 

All articles are the property of S.G.W.A and are therefore subject to Copy Right - NO unauthorized use permitted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Softbill Group of WA October 2001

Text Box: these also make excellent nesting sites, with the branches placed, high , midlevel, and low to cover all requirements. Redcapped Robins love to forage so don't rake up any leaf litter or bark, they will not only forage through it for insects they will use it for nesting material. I would have to say that with all the species of softbills I keep,the Redcapped Robin would have to be one of my favourites, even after 18 odd years it still comes up with something new. Don;t have Redcapped Robins ? would you like to ? Then why not advertise in the WANTED section, or if you have Redcapped Robins available or any Softbills, you can advertise in the AVAILABLE section. The WANTED and AVAILABLE section is for all members, its a great way for members to acquire new birds and to dispose of surplus. P.S. In the December magazine we will be printing a general diet for all Softbills, including, live food, soft food and ways to attract live food to your aviary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Softbill Group of WA October 2001

Text Box: Voice: Song, a trilling insect-like 'dit dit drr-it or dikdik chaw-yaw yaw, call tick,scolding note when disturbed. Habitat: Lightly timbered of semiaridand arid zones,mallee, open woodland,mulga,some coastal regions. Food: Insects and other small arthropods. Habits: Mainly sedentary but pronounced seasonal movements in the west and southern interior, Territorial. Not gregarious, generally solitary or in pairs or family groups. Breeding:August-December one or two nests per season,female construct nest,incubates eggs, male helps feed young and feeds mate while she sits Nest: compact cup of grass and smallbark strips, bound in spider web,placed in small horizontal or vertical fork from almost ground level to 10m Text Box: Measurements. Length 115-120mm Wing 59-66mm Tail 44-49mm Bill 12.5-13.9mm Weight 7-9g Male: Head,throat & upperparts black,forehead & most of crown scarlet,centre of breast & upperbelly scarlet,underparts otherwise white, wings black with prominent white stripe,tail black,outer feathers white Iris dark brown,bill black,legs dark brown. Female: Dorsum buff-grey forehead with reddish wash,sides of face pale buff-grey with paler eye ring,breast washed buff grey with pale pin k wash, underparts off white,wing dark brown with buff wing bars,tail dark grey-brown with white outer feathers. Immature: Similar to female

Text Box: Species Profile Redcapped Robin (Petroica goodenovii) Text Box: usually 1-3m Eggs: 2- 4.blue-green or grey-green with dark brown marks,densest at large end 15x13mm Status: endemic,common,generally avoiding more humid areas and treeless regions,not common in wetter coastal areas,widespread in southern Queensland. Western Aust and southern states,winter visitors Kimberly,Pilbara,Northern territory and Northern Queensland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.G.W.A (c) Softbill Group of WA(c) 2000-2007