The Biak gerygone is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is endemic to the islands of Biak and Supiori in West Papua, Indonesia.
Region
Cenderawasih Bay Islands, West Papua
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the forested islands of Biak and Supiori, where it inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests, edge habitats, and wooded gardens. It is most frequently seen in the mid-story to canopy, moving quickly through foliage while gleaning prey. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and can use secondary growth, but is most numerous in mature forest. It often joins mixed-species flocks with other small passerines, especially along forest edges and along streams.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny Australasian warbler of the family Acanthizidae, the Biak gerygone is confined to the islands of Biak and Supiori in Indonesia’s Cenderawasih Bay. It is most often detected by its high, tinkling song as it forages in the canopy. Like other gerygones, it builds a neat, domed hanging nest with a side entrance. Its species name, hypoxantha, refers to its yellowish underparts.
Temperament
active and somewhat inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief flits between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties, and regularly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Breeding pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft calls while foraging. The nest is a small, domed, hanging structure with a side entrance, suspended from fine branches or foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched, tinkling series of thin trills and whistles delivered in short phrases, often repeated persistently. Calls include thin seep notes used for contact within pairs and flocks.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with clean yellow to yellow-washed underparts; throat and belly paler. Feathers are smooth and sleek, with a subtle contrast between the darker mantle and brighter underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and their larvae, spiders, and other tiny invertebrates. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally hover-gleans to pick items from foliage. Foraging is continuous and methodical, with frequent short sallies between perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and canopy of lowland and hill forests, along edges, and in secondary woodland. It also uses riparian strips and wooded gardens adjacent to forest.
