Black-chinned Robin

The Black-chinned Robin, scientifically known as Poecilodryas brachyura, is a diminutive and distinctive bird, part of the Petroicidae family. It was first described by the English naturalist Philip Sclater in 1874. This species exhibits a dark brown to black head and upperparts, contrasted by a striking white stripe above the eye, resembling an eyebrow. The chin, living up to the bird's name, is black, and the tail is notably shorter compared to other Australasian robins. The underparts are white, with a white bar adorning the dark wing plumage. The bill is black, eyes dark brown, and legs a pale brown or pink hue.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Black-chinned Robin, look for the characteristic white eyebrow and the contrasting black chin. Its short tail and the white bar on the wing are also key features that distinguish it from other robins. The bird measures between 14 to 15 cm in length, making it a relatively small member of its family.

Habitat

This species thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where it can often be found in the understory or foraging on the forest floor.

Distribution

The Black-chinned Robin is endemic to northern New Guinea, with its presence mainly in West Papua and to a lesser extent in the northwest of Papua New Guinea. It ranges from sea level up to elevations of 650 meters.

Behaviour

In its natural rainforest environment, the Black-chinned Robin is typically observed in pairs. It is not known for strong flight capabilities and spends much of its time gleaning insects from the foliage.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Black-chinned Robin are reminiscent of the fan-tailed cuckoo, consisting of a descending series of notes that are both melodic and distinctive.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous bird, the Black-chinned Robin employs a gleaning technique to feed, picking off insects from leaves and branches in the forest understory.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Black-chinned Robin as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher risk category.