Pekin Robin

Looks how to spot one

feathers

The Pekin Robin has a bright red bill, a dull yellow ring around each eye, and an olive-green back. Its throat is bright yellow-orange, and the wing edges show yellow, orange, red and black. The forked tail is olive-brown with a blackish tip. Males are brighter, especially on the throat and chest, while females are duller and lack the red patch on the primaries.23

Personality what they are like

Pekin Robins are cheerful, intelligent and inquisitive birds. They can become quite tame and may take food from a keeper's hand. They are active foragers and enjoy bathing. They are social and need companionship, either from their own kind or from a devoted keeper, otherwise they may suffer emotionally. They are not recommended as a one-on-one pet because much of their delightful behaviour is only seen when they are paired.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Pekin Robins are active and need a large, planted aviary or a spacious cage. They spend long periods foraging for insects and fruit, so they need plenty of space and enrichment to prevent stereotypical behaviour and feather damage. They enjoy bathing and will use a shallow water dish regularly.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide fresh food and water twice daily, and clean the cage at least once a day. Replace broken branches and toys regularly. They need access to bathing water and a well-planted enclosure to feel secure. In colder climates, provide a sheltered, wind-protected area and ensure food and water never freeze.21

Home where they are happiest

Pekin Robins come from mountain forests and underbrush with clearings and creeks. They need a large, planted aviary with dense cover for nesting. They are hardy and can tolerate subfreezing temperatures if acclimatised gradually and given a wind-protected shelter. They must always have access to unfrozen food and water. They are not suited to small, barren cages.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Pekin Robins are softbills and need a varied diet of insects, fruit and nectar. Live food such as mealworms, crickets and small locusts is essential, especially during breeding. They may pick at finch seed but it is not suitable as a staple. Offer a good finch mix, soaked or sprouted seed, chopped fruit, berries and leafy greens.31

Company who they like around

Pekin Robins are highly social and should not be kept alone. They sleep huddled together in pairs or groups. Keeping a single bird is not recommended unless the owner can spend a great deal of time with it. They can be kept with other peaceful species in a mixed aviary, but only one pair per aviary to avoid aggression between males during breeding season.13

The story where it all began

The Pekin Robin, also known as the Red-billed Leiothrix, is a small babbler from the Himalayas, China and Southeast Asia. It has been a popular cage bird for nearly a century, valued for its colourful plumage, pleasant song and hardy nature. In the past, many were imported for the pet trade, but since the CITES Appendix II listing in 1997, international trade in wild-caught birds has been restricted. This has made captive breeding more important. The species is not endangered, but wild populations are declining due to habitat loss and capture for the Asian pet trade.145

Recognised by the official bits

CITES

Appendix II listing3