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.
