The smoky robin is a species of bird in the family Petroicidae endemic to West Papua, Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea (West Papua)
Typical Environment
Found in humid montane forests of West Papua, typically in mossy mid- to high-elevation habitats. It favors dense understory, forest edges along streams, and areas with fallen logs and vine tangles. The species is generally associated with primary forest but may also occur in well-developed secondary growth. It tends to remain within shaded interior forest where cover is abundant.
Altitude Range
1200–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The smoky robin is a shy forest robin of New Guinea’s western mountains, where it keeps to cool, mossy understory. It often forages by perching low and making short sallies to the ground or nearby foliage. Its subdued, sooty-gray plumage helps it blend into shadowed montane habitats, making it easy to overlook. Despite its limited range, it is not currently considered at risk.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct flights between low perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense understory. Pairs build a neat cup nest placed low in sheltered mossy sites or forks. Both parents are believed to share incubation and chick-rearing duties. It may join mixed-species flocks occasionally but generally forages quietly on its own.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and high, sibilant phrases delivered from low perches. Calls include quiet ticks and seep notes that can be hard to locate in dense vegetation.
