Bower's shrikethrush, also known as the stripe-breasted shrike-thrush, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to Australia. It is found on the southeast coast of Cape York Peninsula.
Region
Northeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests, vine thickets, and riparian gallery forests along the southeast coast of the Cape York Peninsula. It frequents dense understory and mid-story layers, often near streams and rainforest edges. The species tolerates some secondary growth but prefers mature, humid forest with thick leaf litter. It is typically absent from open woodland and savanna.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bower's shrikethrush is a rainforest specialist confined to the southeast coast of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. Its rich, ringing whistles carry far through dense understory and are used to defend territories year-round. Like other shrikethrushes, it forages methodically, gleaning from trunks, branches, and leaf litter. It is generally shy and more often heard than seen.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes through understory
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories throughout the year. Monogamous pairs build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation or vines. Both parents participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of clear whistles and ringing phrases, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp, scolding notes when alarmed and more fluid sequences at dawn.
Plumage
Warm brown to grey-brown upperparts with a paler, buffy to whitish underside marked by fine, dark streaking across the breast. The throat is paler and the face and crown are greyish with subtle contrast to the back. Feathers are smooth and close, giving a sleek appearance.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and ants. It occasionally takes small snails and supplements its diet with berries or other soft fruits when available. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pauses to pick prey from bark, foliage, and leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded understory and mid-story of rainforest and along creek lines, often near fallen logs and dense vine tangles. It also works along forest edges and in regenerating patches if cover is sufficient.
