The brown emutail is an emutail in the family Locustellidae. It is found only in Madagascar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Madagascar Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen and humid forest edges, dense undergrowth, and rank grassy or sedge-filled glades. It favors bamboo, bracken, and fern thickets near streams and wet seepages. Secondary growth and regenerating forest with dense ground cover can also be used. It keeps to cover, moving mouse-like through tussocks and low shrubs. Localized within suitable habitat patches across the central and southeastern highlands.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-loving warbler of Madagascar’s highlands, the brown emutail spends much of its time creeping through dense grass and fern tangles. Its long, graduated tail is often cocked, inspiring the name “emutail.” It is difficult to see but responds to soft pishing or playback of its thin trills. Ongoing habitat loss and degradation in montane forests and marshy edges threaten its populations.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense ground cover. Nests low in thick vegetation, likely a cup hidden in tussocks or ferns. Breeding is presumed in the wet season with both adults involved in rearing young. Often remains silent outside the breeding period, further masking its presence.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, insect-like series of high-pitched trills or reeling phrases delivered from within cover. Calls include soft ticking notes and faint chirrs. Vocalizations can be easily overlooked amid insect noise.
