Black-throated Robin

The Black-throated Robin, scientifically known as Plesiodryas albonotata, is a passerine bird belonging to the Australasian robin family, Petroicidae. This species is adorned with a distinctive grey-black face, throat, and upper breast, complemented by a grey crown and nape. A striking white diagonal mark graces its neck, while the upperparts boast a blue-grey hue. The underparts transition from grey to white across the abdomen and beneath the tail coverts. With a length of 18 to 19 cm (7.1 to 7.5 in), this bird carries a resemblance to the cuckoo-shrike, yet is set apart by its unique white neck marking.

Identification Tips

To identify the Black-throated Robin, look for its black bill and legs, dark brown eyes, and the characteristic white neck mark. The grey-black facial features and upper breast are key identifiers, as is the contrast between the blue-grey upperparts and lighter underparts.

Habitat

This robin prefers the subtropical or tropical moist montane forests of New Guinea, thriving at elevations between 1,150 and 2,750 meters above sea level.

Distribution

The Black-throated Robin is endemic to New Guinea, where it is distributed along the central highlands, from the Bird's Head Peninsula in the west to the Huon Peninsula in the east.

Behaviour

Within its rainforest home, the Black-throated Robin is typically observed alone, either in the understory or on the forest floor. It exhibits a gleaning hunting technique to capture its insect prey.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous bird, the Black-throated Robin forages by gleaning insects from the foliage or ground within its montane forest habitat.

Conservation status

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