Snow Mountains robin

The Snow Mountains robin, also known as the Snow Mountain robin, is a species of bird in the family Petroicidae. It is endemic to West Papua, Indonesia.

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Distribution

Region

New Guinea Highlands (Snow Mountains, West Papua)

Typical Environment

Found in subalpine and alpine zones of the Snow Mountains, especially around the upper treeline and open shrub-tussock mosaics. It frequents stunted, mossy forest edges, heaths, and alpine meadows with scattered rocks and dwarf shrubs. Birds often work sheltered gullies and lee slopes during inclement weather and may descend slightly in poor conditions. Habitat is generally cool, wet, and windy with frequent cloud and mist.

Altitude Range

3000–4200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm

Wing Span20–24 cm

Male Weight0.018 kg

Female Weight0.016 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This high-elevation robin is restricted to the Snow Mountains of West Papua, Indonesia, and is one of the few passerines that regularly occupies alpine habitats in New Guinea. It forages close to the ground in windswept heath and tussock, often near the treeline. Its remote range and rugged terrain make it infrequently observed, so aspects of its ecology remain poorly known.

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low sallying flights

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories near the treeline. Likely forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season, with a cup-shaped nest placed low in dense shrubs or sheltered mossy niches. Both sexes are assumed to contribute to territory defense.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft series of thin, high whistles interspersed with brief trills. Contact calls are sharp, high “tsip”-like notes given while foraging close to the ground.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Snow partridge

The snow partridge is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae found widely distributed across the high-altitude Himalayan regions of Pakistan, China, India and Nepal. It is the only species within its genus, and is thought to be the most basal member of the "erectile clade" of the subfamily Phasianinae. The species is found in alpine pastures and open hillside above the treeline but not in as bare rocky terrain as the Himalayan snowcock and is not as wary as that species. Males and females look similar in plumage but males have a spur on their tarsus.

Snow pigeon

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Snowy albatross

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