The black-capped catbird is a species of bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchidae), native to southeastern New Guinea.
Region
Southeastern New Guinea
Typical Environment
Inhabits primary and mature secondary rainforest from foothills into lower montane zones. It favors dense midstory and canopy strata with abundant fruiting trees and vine tangles. Occurs along ridges, gullies, and forested slopes, and may persist in sizable forest fragments if canopy cover remains. It generally avoids open country and heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
200–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the bowerbird family, the black-capped catbird is unusual because catbirds do not build bowers; instead, pairs are largely monogamous and share parental duties. Its name comes from its cat-like, mewing calls that carry through the forest. By consuming a wide variety of fruits, it serves as an important seed disperser in southeastern New Guinea’s rainforests.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs within defended territories. Unlike most bowerbirds, pairs are largely monogamous and both sexes help raise the young. Nests are placed in dense vegetation, and territories are advertised with vocal displays from concealed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of cat-like mews and wails interspersed with harsh, rasping notes and soft whistles. Calls carry well through forest and are often the first clue to its presence.
Plumage
Compact, heavy-billed catbird with glossy black cap contrasting with mainly olive-green upperparts and paler, lightly scalloped underparts. Feathers have a soft, satin-like sheen; subtle spotting or scalloping may be evident on the breast and flanks.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit from rainforest trees, shrubs, and vines, including figs and other lipid-rich species. Supplements diet with large insects, beetles, caterpillars, and occasional other invertebrates. It swallows small fruits whole and helps disperse seeds over distance.
Preferred Environment
Forages quietly in the midstory and lower canopy, moving methodically along branches and fruiting clusters. Often feeds at solitary fruiting trees or within mixed fruit patches, rarely descending to the ground except to reach low shrubs.
