Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

White-winged Robin

Peneothello sigillata

The White-winged Robin, known scientifically as Peneothello sigillata, is a small songbird adorned in a striking black plumage contrasted by its largely white wings. This bird measures between 14 to 15 centimeters in length. Both male and female share the same coloration, making them indistinguishable in the field. Their bill and feet are black, while their eyes are a deep, dark brown. The juveniles, however, sport a variable streaked brown plumage, quite different from the adults.

Identification Tips

When identifying the White-winged Robin, look for its distinctive white wing patches which stand out against its otherwise black body. The bird's size is relatively small, and its dark eyes are set in a black head, which can be helpful in distinguishing it from other species.

Habitat

The White-winged Robin is a denizen of the subtropical or tropical moist montane forests of the New Guinea Highlands. It thrives at elevations ranging from 2,400 to 3,900 meters, where the climate and vegetation provide an ideal environment for this species.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the highlands of New Guinea, where it can be found along the main mountain range from the Bismarck Range eastwards. It is replaced by the Slaty Robin at lower elevations.

Behaviour

In its natural montane forest habitat, the White-winged Robin can be observed in pairs or small troops. These birds are often seen foraging in the understory or on the forest floor, displaying their insectivorous tendencies, although they are known to consume some seeds as well.

Breeding

The White-winged Robin constructs a somewhat bulky cup-shaped nest, which is placed in a tree fork. This structure serves as a cradle for the next generation of these forest dwellers.

Similar Species

The White-winged Robin could potentially be confused with the Slaty Robin, which occupies lower elevations. However, the white wing patches of the White-winged Robin are a distinctive feature that aids in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, the White-winged Robin forages for insects in the forest understory. It does, however, supplement its diet with seeds, indicating a degree of dietary flexibility.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the White-winged Robin as Least Concern, suggesting that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

More Australasian Robins

A photo of a Southern Scrub Robin (Drymodes brunneopygia)

Southern Scrub Robin

Drymodes brunneopygia
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.