Ashy Robin

Overview

The ashy robin, also known as the black-cheeked robin, is a large and solidly built species of bird in the family Petroicidae. It is native to New Guinea and belongs to the genus Heteromyias.

Identification

• A large and solidly built robin measuring 15 to 18 cm.
• Features a sooty black head and cheeks with a white stripe extending backwards and upwards from the eyes.
• Has a white throat that darkens to buff underparts, with olive-brown upperparts and a white patch on the dark-plumaged wing.
• Possesses a grey-black bill, dark brown eyes, and pale pink legs.

Habitat

Found across the mountain ranges of New Guinea, specifically in West Papua and Papua New Guinea, at elevations between 1,400 and 2,600 m. It inhabits rainforest environments, where it is typically found singly or in pairs within the understory or on the ground.

Diet

This insectivorous bird hunts by gleaning or snatching, often on the ground. Its prey includes ants, beetles, phasmids, centipedes, and earthworms.

Did you know?

The clutch consists of only a single cream- or olive-white egg, which is marked with light brown or mauve splotches and spots concentrated around the large end.