The black-eared catbird is a species of bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchidae) which can be found northern Queensland, Australia, and New Guinea, including its surrounding islands. They are named after their cat-like wails and black ear spot. It is described by its Latin name: ailur-cat, oidos-singing, melas-black and otus-ear.
Region
New Guinea and northern Queensland
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill rainforests, gallery forests, and dense vine thickets. It frequents forest edges and secondary growth when fruiting trees are abundant, and may visit gardens or orchards adjacent to rainforest. In New Guinea it is widespread in suitable humid forest, with local variation across islands and peninsulas. In northern Queensland it is associated with remaining rainforest blocks of the Cape York Peninsula.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A bowerbird that bucks the trend, the black-eared catbird is largely monogamous and does not build elaborate bowers. It is named for its cat-like wails and the distinctive dark ear patch. Primarily a fruit specialist, it plays an important role in seed dispersal across tropical forests. Some authorities have split closely related Australian forms, but the name has long been used for birds in New Guinea and northern Queensland.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within fruit-rich forest. Unlike many bowerbirds, pairs are largely monogamous and do not construct bowers; nesting is in a well-hidden cup in dense vegetation. Females handle most incubation, with males often assisting in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Famous for loud, cat-like meows and wails that carry through the forest. Also gives harsh scolds, whistles, and chattering notes during interactions and territorial displays.
Plumage
Dense, glossy green upperparts with paler mottling or scalloping on the underparts; overall smooth, sleek feathering typical of bowerbirds.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits and berries from figs, laurels, and other rainforest trees, swallowing small fruits whole and removing pulp from larger ones. Supplements diet with insects and other invertebrates, especially when feeding nestlings. Occasionally takes small vertebrates or nectar when fruit is scarce. Its fruit-focused diet makes it an important seed disperser.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy at fruiting trees, moving methodically among branches. Also uses edges, gaps, and secondary growth where pioneer trees bear heavy fruit crops.
