The Papuan logrunner or New Guinea logrunner is a species of bird in the family Orthonychidae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the Australian logrunner.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane forests along the central cordillera of New Guinea, from the Indonesian provinces of Papua and Highland Papua eastward into Papua New Guinea. Prefers dense, mossy understory with abundant fallen logs and deep leaf litter. Most common in primary and older secondary forest but can persist in lightly disturbed montane habitats. Typically avoids lowland forests and open edges, keeping to shaded gullies and ridges under closed canopy.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Papuan logrunners are ground-dwelling forest birds that forage by vigorously scratching through leaf litter around fallen logs, which gives them their name. They use stiff, spiky tail feathers as a prop while working the ground. Males have a contrasting white throat, while females show a rufous-orange throat patch, a useful field mark. They are close relatives of the Australian logrunner but are restricted to New Guinea’s mountains.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; rarely flies far
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that defend year-round territories on the forest floor. Nests are placed low, often well concealed among roots or dense understory. Both sexes participate in territory defense; pair duetting is common. They spend much of the day foraging quietly in dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp, ringing notes and trills, often delivered as antiphonal duets between mates. Calls carry well through dense forest and include scolding chatters when disturbed.
