Pekin Robin & Silver-eared Mesia Guide to Care

The Pekin Robin and the Silver-eared Mesia are part of the Laughingthrush family, a group of passerine birds mainly from the Old World that come in various sizes and colourations. These birds primarily inhabit the tropical regions of South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent, thriving in lush forested habitats.

Pekin Robin Care and Characteristics

The Pekin Robin (Leiothrix lutea), also known as the Red-billed Leiothrix or the Pekin Nightingale, is widely recognised in UK aviculture. Contrary to its common name, the Pekin Robin is neither native to China nor a typical robin. Its natural range includes India, Bhutan, Nepal, Burma, and parts of Tibet. This species favours hill and pine forests, residing at elevations up to 7,500 feet. Notably, it has also been introduced to Hawaii and France but not successfully established in Western Australia or the UK.

Physically, Pekin Robins measure about 6 inches in length, sporting a bright red beak, olive green back, a yellow-orange throat, and a lighter yellow chin. Their wings boast striking yellow, orange, red, and black feathers alongside a forked olive green tail. Females tend to have duller plumage compared to males, while juveniles feature black bills. In the wild, these active birds are often elusive but admired for their beautiful song.

Diet in the wild consists of insects and various fruits like strawberries, papayas, guavas, and other native tree fruits. When kept in captivity, a balanced diet includes universal seed mixes, insect paste, live insects such as mealworms and maggots, as well as fresh fruits and leafy greens. Ensuring live food availability is crucial, especially for feeding young birds.

Owners recommend keeping Pekin Robins in pairs to promote natural behaviours and well-being. They adapt well to captivity but prefer aviaries or cages partially covered with foliage to feel secure. These hardy birds tolerate a broad temperature range but require access to a frost-free night house for roosting. Given time and patience, Pekin Robins can grow to trust their keepers and may even accept food from the hand.

For breeding, Pekin Robins build nests from fibres in trees or nesting boxes. Females lay 3-4 eggs and primarily incubate them for about 12 days. Upon hatching, chicks rely on live insect food for survival. They fledge roughly 14 days after hatching and continue to be fed by parents for three more weeks. Juveniles gain adult colouring at around three months and typically coexist peacefully with parents if space allows.

Silver-eared Mesia: Habitat and Care

The Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) shares the Leiothrix genus with the Pekin Robin and is native to China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, especially Sumatra. It features several subspecies across its range. This bird is about 6 inches long and is identified by its silver face patches, yellow ochre throat and chest, olive green belly, grey upper wings with red patches, ochre yellow wingtips, and a black tail. Males display red-orange rumps, while females have yellow rumps, which helps in sexing them.

Silver-eared Mesias thrive in groups or pairs and are sociable with other birds, including smaller species. During breeding season, owner vigilance is recommended as they may occasionally steal eggs from other birds. Comfortable in well-planted aviaries or cages, they require coverage on some sides with greenery like conifers, spruce, or ivy to feel safe. These hardy birds need a frost-free night roost but no specialised heating.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and larvae, supplemented by fruit and seeds. They forage in the wild in groups of up to thirty and sometimes mix with other species like babblers. Captive diets should include quality universal seed mixes, live insects such as mealworms, maggots, spiders, crickets, and fruits like berries, raisins, bananas, and pears.

For breeding, nesting baskets placed among ivy or grasses provide suitable sites. Clutches average three eggs, which both parents incubate for around 12 days. Chicks are fed live food exclusively and fledge around 14 days old. Parents continue feeding young for two to three weeks post-fledging. If aviary space permits, offspring may remain with their parents without aggression.

Responsible Bird Ownership and Environment Enrichment

Both Pekin Robins and Silver-eared Mesias benefit from enriched environments mimicking their natural habitats. Providing ample space, appropriate planting, and social companions promotes their well-being. Observing ethical sourcing, avoiding wild-caught specimens, and consulting reputable breeders ensures the health and sustainability of these birds.

Ensuring proper diet, environmental conditions tailored to their needs, and gentle handling fosters a rewarding experience for keepers while securing the birds' welfare. Regular health checks by avian specialists are advised, alongside monitoring for signs of stress or illness.

In addition to practical care, understanding these species’ natural behaviours and breeding needs helps maintain their populations responsibly and supports global conservation efforts.

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