Notes on the Breeding Behaviour of the Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii

Abstract

Three pairs of Red-capped Robins Petroica goodenovii were studied on the Southern Tablelands of  New South Wales during a temporary invasion in 1981-1983, at the end of a drought. The birds arrived in spring, the males ahead of the females, and defended territories against Scarlet Robins P. mullticolor. One male Red-capped Robin uttered the Scarlet Robin's song during territory advertisement. After raising one or two broods the birds dispersed for the winter, the adults either at the same time as or after the departure of juveniles. After breeding the adults moulted, the females starting before the males. Nests were built, by females only, at a height of 2-6m (mean 3.6 m), and took 5-9 days (mean 8 days) to complete. Eggs were laid between mid October and late December. Mean clutch size was 1.9 eggs (1-2, mode 2), and mean brood size at fledging was 1.4 (1-2, mode I). Incubation lasted 14 days (three clutches), the nestling period was 11-16 days (mean 12.5 days) and the post fledging dependence period lasted at least two weeks. The breeding success rate was 54% (7 fledglings from 13 eggs), and the nest success rate was 63% (5 nests successful out of 8 for which the outcome was known). Nest-building, courtship, parental behaviour and vocalisations are described.