The bicolored scrubwren or bicolored mouse-warbler is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is found in the New Guinea Highlands ; its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occupies subtropical to tropical moist montane forests, favoring dense understory and mossy thickets. Common along forest edges, in secondary growth, and in bamboo or vine tangles. It keeps to shaded, humid microhabitats where leaf litter and low shrubs are abundant. Occurs on both the Papua New Guinea and Indonesian (Papua) sides of the central cordillera.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the bicolored mouse-warbler, this small acanthizid skulks through dense undergrowth in the New Guinea Highlands. It keeps a low profile, foraging quietly and often going unnoticed despite being locally common. Pairs frequently duet, and their high, thin calls carry through mossy forest.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving through dense understory. Likely monogamous, building domed or cup nests low in vegetation. Joins mixed-species flocks occasionally but often keeps to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, sibilant trills and tsip notes delivered from cover. Pairs may duet, with soft contact calls maintaining cohesion while foraging.
Plumage
Compact, soft-plumaged scrubwren with dark olive-brown upperparts and contrasting pale buff to whitish underparts, giving a distinctly two-toned look. The throat and belly are lighter, with a faint pale eyebrow and darker lores creating a subtle facial mask.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and moss. Probes bark crevices and turns through leaf litter for hidden prey. Occasionally takes small larvae and eggs, and may supplement diet with tiny berries opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, vine tangles, and mossy banks within montane forest. Often works along edges, trails, and shaded ravines where moisture and cover are high.
