Ashy Robin

The Ashy Robin, known scientifically as Heteromyias albispecularis and colloquially as the Black-cheeked Robin, is a robust bird native to the verdant rainforests of New Guinea. This species boasts a sooty black head and cheeks, accentuated by a striking white stripe that extends from the eyes, arching backwards and upwards. Its throat is a pristine white, which gradually transitions to buff on the underparts, while the upperparts are cloaked in an olive-brown hue. A distinctive white patch adorns the otherwise dark wing plumage. Observers will note the grey-black bill, dark brown eyes, and pale pink legs of this bird, which measures between 15 to 18 centimeters in length.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Ashy Robin, look for its solid build and the contrast between the sooty black head and the white eye stripe. The white throat and buff underparts are key features, as is the white wing patch. The bird's size, grey-black bill, and pale pink legs are also distinguishing characteristics.

Habitat

The Ashy Robin is a denizen of the mountainous rainforests of New Guinea, where it can be found from altitudes of 1,400 to 2,600 meters. It prefers the understory or the forest floor, where it can be seen either alone or occasionally in pairs.

Distribution

This species is distributed throughout the mountain ranges of New Guinea, inhabiting both the West Papua and Papua New Guinea regions.

Behaviour

The Ashy Robin is an insectivorous bird that employs gleaning or snatching techniques to capture its prey, which includes ants, beetles, phasmids, centipedes, and earthworms. It is often observed foraging on the forest floor.

Breeding

Breeding Ashy Robins construct a shallow cup-shaped nest from bark, grass, twigs, and dry leaves, using spider webs to bind or fill the structure. The nest is typically well-concealed, placed 1 to 3 meters above the ground. The female lays a single cream- or olive-white egg, adorned with light brown or mauve splotches and spots, predominantly around the larger end. The egg measures approximately 24 by 20 millimeters.

Conservation status

The Ashy Robin is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.