Appert's tetraka formerly known as Appert's greenbul is a small passerine bird endemic to the south-west of Madagascar. The species was only described in 1972, and has been the subject of considerable taxonomic confusion. It was initially placed in the greenbul genus Phyllastrephus, and later with the Old World warblers in the genus Bernieria. Recent research indicates it is part of an endemic Malagasy radiation currently known as the Malagasy warblers.
Region
Southwest Madagascar
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to dry deciduous forest and adjacent thickets, with populations centered in Zombitse–Vohibasia and on the Analavelona massif. It prefers dense understory with abundant leaf litter, tangled shrubs, and vine-laden thickets where it can forage low and remain concealed. In Analavelona it also uses moister mid-elevation evergreen patches along gullies and on shaded slopes. It tolerates small gaps and edges but declines sharply where forest is heavily degraded. Territory sizes are small, and birds are typically found in pairs or tight family groups.
Altitude Range
250–1100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Appert's tetraka is a Malagasy warbler confined to a tiny area in southwest Madagascar and was only described to science in 1972. It forages close to the ground in dense, dry forest and is one of the island’s most range-restricted passerines. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the remaining forests of Zombitse–Vohibasia National Park and the Analavelona massif, where it persists.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through the understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks in the lower strata. Territorial during the breeding season, with cup nests placed low in dense shrubs or saplings. Likely monogamous, and both adults participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles delivered in short phrases, often repeated from low cover. Calls include sharp chips and tiks used to keep contact within pairs or family groups.
Plumage
Olive-green to olive-brown upperparts with paler, yellowish underparts and a slightly paler throat. Subtle, diffuse streaking may be present on the breast; overall appearance is rather plain. The tail and wings are similarly olive-brown with no bold wing bars.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small arthropods such as insects and their larvae, gleaned from leaf litter, low foliage, and vine tangles. It probes into curled leaves and picks prey from twigs and stems, occasionally making short sallies to grab flying insects. Very rarely it may nibble small fruits or other soft plant matter when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense understory of dry deciduous forest, especially where leaf litter accumulates and shrubs form tight cover. Also uses shaded gullies and evergreen patches on the Analavelona massif, often near fallen logs and thickets. Typically remains within 0–2 m of the ground.
