The fairy gerygone, previously known as the fairy warbler, is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae native to New Guinea and Queensland.
Region
Australasia (New Guinea and northeastern Australia)
Typical Environment
The fairy gerygone inhabits lowland and foothill rainforests, monsoon forest patches, and dense secondary growth across New Guinea and far northeastern Queensland. It favors forest edges, vine thickets, and riparian corridors where insects are abundant. In northern Australia it is most frequent in tropical rainforest margins and adjacent eucalypt woodlands with a dense understory. It forages mainly in the midstory to canopy, occasionally descending to shrubby layers in disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the fairy warbler, this tiny Australasian songbird is active in the canopy and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. It builds a neat, hanging domed nest with a side entrance, suspended from slender branches or foliage. Pairs maintain small territories year-round and give high, tinkling calls that carry through forest edges.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, darting flights between foliage
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species canopy flocks. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with high, thin contact calls. Nests are neat, domed structures with a side entrance, suspended from fine branches or vines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high, tinkling phrases and sweet, thin trills delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft, repeated see notes that carry well in forest edges.
