The Papuan scrub robin or New Guinea scrub robin is a species of bird in the family Petroicidae. It was found to be genetically distinct from the northern scrub robin, with which it was formerly considered conspecific.
Region
New Guinea and satellite islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland and hill forests of New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It favors dense understory in primary and well-developed secondary rainforest, including forest edges, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. It also uses swamp forest and riparian thickets with deep leaf litter. The species typically keeps close to the ground, moving through shaded, cluttered microhabitats.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Papuan scrub robin is a ground-oriented Australasian robin that skulks through dense undergrowth, often flicking its rufous tail as it forages. Genetic studies showed it is distinct from the Australian northern scrub-robin, clarifying long-standing taxonomic confusion. It relies on intact understory and leaf-litter, making it sensitive to heavy forest disturbance. Its clear, whistled song carries softly through forest thickets at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining year-round territories. Likely monogamous, with both sexes participating in territory defense. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, and breeding timing may vary with local rainfall.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, mellow whistles delivered from concealed perches. Calls include thin seep notes and soft contact chips, often repeated in measured phrases.
Plumage
Mostly brown above with warm rufous tones on the tail, paler buff underparts with faint streaking, and a lightly marked face.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. It forages by gleaning and probing among leaf litter, fallen logs, and buttress roots. Occasional small arthropods are taken from low vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor and in tangled understory near thickets and vine tangles. Often works along edges of trails or streams where leaf litter accumulates.
