The dusky tetraka is a species of Old World warbler in the family Bernieridae. It is found only in Madagascar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Eastern Madagascar
Typical Environment
This species inhabits humid lowland evergreen forests, especially dense understory near slow-moving streams and seepage zones. It keeps to shaded thickets, vine tangles, and leaf-littered gullies where it can hunt for small invertebrates. It avoids disturbed edges and prefers large, continuous tracts of primary forest. Fragmentation and forest clearance severely limit suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dusky tetraka is a secretive Malagasy warbler that forages close to the ground along shaded streams. Long considered possibly extinct, it was rediscovered in Madagascar in 2023 after more than two decades without confirmed sightings. Its survival hinges on intact lowland rainforest, making it highly vulnerable to ongoing deforestation.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping low to the ground. Nests are believed to be placed low in dense vegetation near water, with both parents attending young. Often forages quietly and may join mixed-species understory flocks occasionally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched chips and thin, sibilant trills delivered from low cover. Vocalizations are unobtrusive and can be easily masked by stream noise.
Plumage
Overall dusky olive-brown with a slightly paler, dull olive-buff underside; plumage appears plain and lacks strong contrast. Feathers are soft and matte, aiding camouflage in deep shade.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods. Forages by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and the forest floor, and occasionally probes mossy banks and root tangles. May sally short distances to snatch flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Dense, shaded understory along streams and damp gullies within primary lowland rainforest. Often close to running water where insect abundance is high and cover is thick.
