The Breeding and Non-Breeding Behaviour of the Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata in Canberra, 1990-1991

Abstract

The breeding and non-breeding behaviour of a pair of Hooded Robins Melanodryas cucullata and the offspring was observed over 13 months during 1990 and 1991, in Canberra, A.C.T. One young fledged from a brood of two nestlings in 1990, and two fledged from a clutch of two eggs in 1991. Both breeding territories were approximately 4 ha. Parental behaviour, defence of the nestlings, and the behaviour of the 1990 fledlging are described. Combined parental feeding rates in the nestling and post-fledging periods were 2.8 and 10.7 visits per hour respectively. In autumn and winter 1991 the adult male and female ranged over 15 ha. Foraging behaviour, pair bond, and voice are described.