The slaty robin, also known as the blue-grey robin, is a species of bird in the family Petroicidae, present in the New Guinea Highlands and sparsely in the island's northern areas. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the montane forests of New Guinea, with the core range along the central highlands and some populations in adjacent northern ranges. It favors dense, mossy understorey, forest edges, and ravines. The species is most often encountered in mature, moist montane forest but will use secondary growth if the understorey is well developed. It remains close to the forest floor and mid-storey, rarely venturing into open areas.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the blue-grey robin, this species is an understorey specialist of New Guinea’s montane forests. It typically forages low to the ground, flicking its tail as it gleans insects from mossy trunks and leaf litter. Males and females look similar, and pairs often hold year-round territories.
Temperament
shy but confiding near cover; quietly territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs within well-defined territories. Pairs are monogamous and nest in concealed sites in dense undergrowth, with a cup nest placed low above the ground. Both parents participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of clear, whistled notes delivered from low perches, often repeated in short phrases. Contact calls are thin, high-pitched chips used to maintain pair cohesion in dense foliage.
