Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang Petroicidae) 照片檔

While several species of Australian robins feature reddish feathering on their breasts, the plumage of the Scarlet Robin is particularly vivid. This feature captured the attention of the Indigenous Noongar people of south-western Australia, who considered the red coloration of the robin’s breast to have been stained by blood. The robin is said to have been punched on the nose (or beak) by a pugnacious Willie Wagtail, causing it to bleed. When the blood trickled down from the wounded beak, it is said to have discoloured the robin’s breast.