The banded yellow robin or olive-yellow robin is a species of bird in the Australasian robin family Petroicidae that is found in New Guinea. It is the only species in the genus Gennaeodryas. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. It has a high mortality rate due to its inability to traverse across a matrix.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid forests of New Guinea, with a strong association to intact subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It favors dense understory, vine tangles, and gullies within primary or well-regenerated secondary forest. The species is patchily distributed where continuous forest remains and is scarce in heavily altered or fragmented habitats. It generally avoids open country and plantations, which act as barriers to movement. Forest fragmentation is a key pressure due to its reluctance to cross open gaps.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The banded yellow robin is the sole member of the monotypic genus Gennaeodryas, part of the Australasian robin family Petroicidae. It is a low- to mid-story forest specialist that rarely ventures into open areas. Studies indicate it disperses poorly across fragmented landscapes, which raises mortality risk when forest is broken up. It typically keeps to shaded understory perches and forages close to the ground.
Temperament
shy and sedentary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups within a territory. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Both parents participate in caring for the young. It tends to remain faithful to suitable territories within continuous forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched whistles and thin trills delivered from low perches in the understory. Calls are subdued contact notes, with simple phrases repeated at intervals, especially at dawn and dusk.
