Dusky Robin vs Hooded Robin

Dusky Robin

Melanodryas vittata

Small27 gForest

Measuring from 14-16.5 centimetres in length, and weight around 27 grams, the dusky robin lacks the bright colours of its robin relatives. The bird has short, slender bill and a moderately long tail, and it is much larger than other Petroicidae that occur in Tasmania. It is almost impossible to differentiate male from female in the field. They have no seasonal variation nor sexual dimorphism. However, there are large, noticeable differences between adults and juvenile dusky robins. Voice: The dusky robins are also known colloquially as the sad bird or sad robin due to its mournful, melancholic song. It is often described as low, monotonic Choo-wee, Choo-we-er, without any particular character, and its repertoire limited to a few low notes. They seldom sing, and it is more of an indication of their vivacity than musical taste.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Maria Duynisveld · CC BY 4.0

Hooded Robin

Melanodryas cucullata

Small21 gShrubland

The hooded robin is around 16 cm (6 in) in length and weighs an average of 22 grams. The male has a distinctive pied coloration, with a black head and neck ("hood") and a white stripe along its shoulder. It has a white chest and underparts. The male's black wings have white wing bars and the square-ended tail is white tipped underneath with distinctive white panels on the dorsal side, each of which are clearly visible in flight. The eyes, bill, and feet are also black.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: finch_fanatic · CC0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Dusky Robin and Hooded Robin.