Australasian Birds

Petroicidae : Australasian Robins

Jacky Winter

Microeca fascinans

South Australia - October 2014

Jacky Winters are found throughout most of Australia where there is suitable Eucalyptus woodlands, mallee or other open scrub habitats.  It is still common in most of its range but tends to be scarce in populated areas and areas that have been cleared for agriculture.

South Australia - October 2014

 

Of the many alternative colloquial names for Jacky Winter, a few, such as Postsitter or Stumpbird, refer to a common hunting technique used by most Australasian Robins to capture their insect prey.  This involves sitting motionless on a perch while it scans the surrounding area for the movement of suitable invertebrate prey.  Once a likely target has been spotted, the bird pounces then returns to its perch.  If no insects are visible the bird moves to another perch and begins the process anew.

South Australia - October 2014

Victoria, Australia - October 2010

Victoria, Australia - October 2010

Victoria, Australia - October 2010