The Arfak catbird is a species of bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchidae) which can be found in the Bird's Head (Vogelkop) Peninsula in western New Guinea.
Region
Western New Guinea (Bird's Head Peninsula)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary montane forest, including mossy and mid-montane rainforest on the Arfak and Tamrau ranges. It favors dense, fruit-rich canopy and subcanopy strata, often along ridges and in gullies. The species may descend locally into foothill forest where fruiting trees are abundant but is most regular at higher elevations. It tolerates small edges and lightly disturbed habitats if large trees remain.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the bowerbird family, the Arfak catbird is unusual because it does not build a classic bower; instead, it forms monogamous pairs and tends nests like typical passerines. Its name comes from its cat-like, wailing calls that carry through montane forests. As a key frugivore, it helps disperse seeds of many forest trees and shrubs.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in fruit-rich forest. Unlike most bowerbirds, pairs are socially monogamous, and the species does not build a decorative bower. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation; the male may assist in provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include drawn-out, cat-like mews and wails, often delivered from concealed perches. Additional calls are harsh grating notes and short whistles, repeated at intervals during dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Rich olive-green upperparts with scalloped, spotted underparts; the breast and belly show pale whitish to yellowish spots edged darker, giving a mottled look. Feathers are sleek with a slight gloss on the mantle and wings. The bill is heavy and pale, and the overall impression is of a green, spot-breasted songbird.
Diet
Primarily takes a variety of native fruits and berries, including figs and drupes. It supplements with insects and other small invertebrates, especially when feeding nestlings. By swallowing fruit whole and later passing seeds, it acts as an important seed disperser for montane forest plants.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper canopy at fruiting trees, moving methodically from branch to branch. It also visits forest edges and gaps where pioneer fruiting shrubs are common, and occasionally forages lower in the understory.
