Campbell's fairywren is a species of bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is found in New Guinea. It is found in south-central and south-eastern New Guinea in its natural habitat of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in south-central and south-eastern New Guinea, inhabiting subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. It favors dense understory in primary and mature secondary forest, including vine thickets, bamboo patches, and pandanus groves. Birds also use forest edges and overgrown clearings near rivers and swamp margins. The species keeps close to the ground and mid-story, moving through tangles and along shaded stream courses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Campbell's fairywren is a small insect-eating songbird of New Guinea’s lowland rainforests, where it keeps to dense undergrowth. Pairs often keep contact with soft duets and frequent tail-cocking as they hop through vine tangles. It was formerly treated within the broad-billed fairywren complex, with taxonomy clarified by vocal and genetic differences. Despite its shy habits, it can be located by its sharp chip notes along forest edges and trails.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low fluttering flights
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups maintaining a territory in dense understory. Partners keep close contact with soft calls and may engage in antiphonal duets. Nests are typically domed or ball-like structures placed low in thick vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high trills and tinkling notes, often delivered as coordinated duets between pair members. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes from cover.
Plumage
Small, slender fairywren with a relatively broad, flattened bill and often cocked tail; generally warm brown to olive-brown above with paler buffy underparts and subtle facial contrasts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods such as spiders and larvae. It gleans prey from leaves, vines, and dead foliage, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flushed insects. Foraging is quick and methodical, with frequent pauses to scan and flick the tail.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of lowland forest, vine tangles, bamboo, and secondary thickets. Often along shaded streams, swamp margins, and forest edges where cover is thick.
