The dusky gerygone is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is endemic to coastal central and northern areas of Western Australia, from Shark Bay to Kunmuya.
Region
Western Australia coast
Typical Environment
Occurs in coastal mangrove systems, especially along tidal creeks, estuaries, and sheltered bays. Prefers dense mangrove stands with a mix of canopy and midstory for foraging and nesting. Occasionally ventures into adjacent coastal scrub or samphire flats, but remains closely tied to mangroves. Uses foliage gleaning and short sallies within the protected interior of the mangroves. Breeding territories are often centered on mature mangrove trees that provide nest sites and abundant insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dusky gerygone is a small mangrove specialist found along the coastal central and northern shores of Western Australia. It forages quietly in dense foliage and is often detected by its soft, sweet trills rather than by sight. Like other gerygones, it builds a neat, domed hanging nest with a side entrance. Its restricted range makes healthy mangrove habitats especially important for its conservation.
Temperament
quiet, skulking, and active within cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief flits between dense branches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within mangrove patches. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and construct a domed, pendant nest with a side entrance from fine plant fibers and spider webs. Nests are suspended from branchlets in sheltered mangrove canopy or midstory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, sweet series of high-pitched trills and descending whistles delivered from within cover. Calls are thin and contact-like, aiding pair cohesion at close range.
Plumage
Overall dusky brown-grey with paler greyish-buff underparts and a slightly whitish throat; subtle buff wash on flanks. Upperparts plain with minimal or no wing bars; fine, neat feathering suited to dense foliage. A faint pale supercilium and narrow eye-ring can be visible at close range.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. Will take tiny moths, flies, beetles, and their larvae, often probing into rolled leaves and crevices. Occasionally hawks briefly for flying insects from a perch.
Preferred Environment
Forages within the mid to upper foliage of mangroves, especially along sheltered creek margins. Also uses adjacent coastal thickets when near mangrove edges.
