The hooded robin, with the scientific name Melanodryas cucullata, is a medium-large bird found only in Australia. This bird was named due to its characteristic black head. Being a sexually dimorphic species, though the females are similar to males in terms of size, but they do not have a black hood, and instead have brownish-gray feathers covering their crowns.Hooded robin (Melanodryas cucullata) is found in shrublands and woodlands, where eucalypts and acacias are found. Its diet includes insects and seeds. Though hooded robins are described as being shy, they have been observed to forage in groups, that might include birds of other species. The taxonomic classification of hooded robins includes three other subspecies, apart from the nominate species, which is Melanodryas cucullata cucullata. The breeding period in this species lasts from August to December. Females lay two to three eggs in a nest made by the female. Though marked as a species of Least Concern in the Red List of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in Australia the nominate species of the hooded robin is marked as Near Threatened.To learn more about the hooded robin, keep reading! You can also check out facts about Japanese robin and marvellous spatuletail.
Fun Hooded Robin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-3
How much do they weigh? 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they? 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
Hooded Robin Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a hooded robin?The hooded robin is a bird that is native to Australia. It has been named so, due to its characteristic black head.What class of animal does a hooded robin belong to?Hooded robins are members of the class Aves, just like other birds. The rainbow lorikeet of Australia is also a part of this class.How many hooded robins are there in the world?The exact number of hooded robin birds is yet to be ascertained. However, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN, this species does have a decreasing population in its native range of Australia. This population trend can be attributed to habitat loss.Where does a hooded robin live?This bird is endemic to Australia and covers a wide range of places there. Some of the regions in its geographical range are New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Adelaide, and Brisbane.What is a hooded robin’s habitat?The habitat of hooded robins mainly consists of woodlands and shrublands. They are more commonly seen in places with acacia and eucalyptus plants. They can be found in arid regions and even in temperate areas.Who do hooded robins live with?Described as being shy, hooded robins are often seen in monogamous pairs or small groups. During the winter season, these birds may choose to forage in flocks that consist of birds of other species, as well.How long does a hooded robin live?The maximum estimated lifespan of this species is between 10-15 years.How do they reproduce?The breeding season lasts from August to December for this species. During this time, monogamous pairs are formed. Additionally, helpers are also involved and help the pair in defending their breeding territory. The nest is built by the female in the crevice or hole of a tree. The nest is cup-shaped and made using spider web, feathers, grass, and hair. Post-mating, the female lays two to three eggs which are olive-green or apple-green in color. Parental care is provided by both the hooded robin male and female once the chicks hatch out. The chicks stay in the nest for about 12-14 days before fledging.What is their conservation status?The conservation status of the hooded robin has been marked as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN. However, in Australia, this species is marked as Near Threatened, due to decreasing population. The habitat of the hooded robin has to be conserved and maintained in order to help this species thrive.Hooded Robin Fun Facts What does a hooded robin look like?The distinctive appearance of a hooded robin (Melanodryas cucullata) is one of its most noteworthy features and can be used to spot the bird in the wild.In this species, dimorphism exists between the sexes. The adult male hooded robin is primarily black and white or pied. While its head and upperparts are covered in black feathers, the belly region is white. Additionally, the black wings are provided with a white wing stripe and a white shoulder bar above them. Both the legs and the slender and short bill are black.In the case of a hooded robin female, its size is similar to males. However, its plumage has some differences. The upperparts of the female, including the crown and the sides of the neck, are brownish-gray. The throat is pale gray in color, transitioning into a gray upper breast and white underparts. Wing and tail feathers have dark brown plumage, with the presence of the white wing strip on the wings.The juvenile birds are similar to female hooded robins.How cute are they?The unique plumage of this bird that gives it a black hood, along with the white markings on its wings and tail, definitely makes it an adorable species of robin.How do they communicate?Like other birds, the methods of communication in hooded robins mainly involve vocalizations. The early morning and night calls are different in this species. While the former sounds like ‘whew-whew-whew’, the latter consists of ‘wheetyer-cantyer’ notes. ‘Squee’ and ‘phew’ calls are also heard from time to time.How big is a hooded robin?These birds are best described as having medium-large bodies, with a length between 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm). In comparison to the European robin bird, which has a length between 5-5.5 in (12.7-13.9 cm), the hooded robin is certainly bigger, but only slightly.How fast can a hooded robin fly?The exact flight speed of the hooded robin is yet to be quantified. However, its flight pattern has been described as short and swift. While in flight, this bird curves up and down in an undulating manner. The white markings on its tail and wings are prominent during flight.How much does a hooded robin weigh?The weight of a hooded robin is between 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g). Belonging to Mexico, the rufous-backed robin, with a weight of 2.6 oz (73.7 g), is more than two times heavier than the hooded robin.What are the male and female names of the species?Male and female birds of this species are simply known as male hooded robins and female hooded robins, respectively.What would you call a baby hooded robin?A baby hooded robin is known as a hatchling or chick.What do they eat?Hooded robins are omnivorous in nature. So, their diet consists of various arthropods, with the most common being insects, and seeds. They can be seen perched on dead branches, along with logs, trunks, and even man-made objects, while feeding. Most of the time, it captures its prey from the ground.Are they dangerous?In general, robins can get aggressive in order to defend their territories. However, there aren’t any instances recorded to suggest that the hooded robin can be dangerous to humans.Would they make a good pet?Given the truly wild nature of these birds, it would be best to leave them alone in the wild.Did you know…The protonym of Melanodryas cucullata is Muscicapa cucullata. Protonym is described as the first name given to any species.Is hooded robin endemic?The hooded robin (Melanodryas cucullata) is indeed endemic to mainland Australia. The three sub-species under this genus are all found in Australia, except a few places like Cape York and the southern parts of the Kimberley Ranges. In fact, the family it belongs to, named Petrocidae, only consists of birds who are native and endemic to Australasia.Do hooded robins migrate?This bird species with a black hood is not migratory and has been observed to be sedentary in nature. While local movements might take place, overall there is no large-scale movement carried out by these birds in any part of its range.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these common nighthawk facts and red kite facts for kids.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable exotic bird coloring pages.Second image by fir0002.
What type of animal is a hooded robin?
The hooded robin is a bird that is native to Australia. It has been named so, due to its characteristic black head.
Fun Hooded Robin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-3
How much do they weigh? 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they? 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
Fun Hooded Robin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-3
How much do they weigh? 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they? 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
Fun Hooded Robin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-3
How much do they weigh? 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they? 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
Fun Hooded Robin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-3
How much do they weigh? 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they? 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
What do they prey on? Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-3
How much do they weigh? 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they? 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
What do they prey on? Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-3
How much do they weigh? 0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they? 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
What do they prey on?
Insects and other arthropods
What do they eat?
Omnivore
Average litter size?
2-3
How much do they weigh?
0.7-1 oz (19.8-28.3 g)
How long are they?
6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Male hooded robin: black head and upperparts and white underneath Female hooded robin: brownish-gray upperparts and white underneath
Skin Type
Feathers
What were their main threats?
Humans
What is their conservation status?
Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
Where you’ll find them?
Woodlands And Shrublands
Locations
Australia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Melanodryas
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Melanodryas
Class Aves
Family Petrocidae
