The great shortwing is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae, and the only member of its genus. Other common names include giant shortwing, Celebes shortwing and Sulawesi shortwing. It is endemic to Sulawesi in Indonesia where its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Sulawesi (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the montane forests of Sulawesi, where it inhabits dense, mossy undergrowth and vine tangles. It favors shaded ravines, bamboo thickets, and forest edges near streams. The species is largely terrestrial, moving through leaf litter and low shrubs. It is absent from lowland forests and human-altered open habitats.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great shortwing is a secretive ground-dwelling robin of Sulawesi’s montane forests and the only member of its genus. Males are a deep slate-blue while females are warm brown, a striking sexual dimorphism that helps with identification. It keeps to dense understory and is more often heard by its ringing whistles than seen. Its short, rounded wings suit quick dashes through thick vegetation rather than long flights.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense understory. Nests are usually well-hidden, placed low in vegetation or among roots and moss. Both sexes are believed to participate in rearing the young. Displays and duets may occur at territory boundaries.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, ringing series of whistles and fluted notes that carry through montane forest. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes given from concealed perches.
Plumage
Male largely uniform dark slate-blue with a slightly darker face; female rich rufous-brown with paler underparts. Both sexes show short, rounded wings and a short tail suited to dense cover.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. It also takes small worms and occasionally supplements with berries or small fruits. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, gleaning from leaf litter and probing mossy logs.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of montane evergreen forest, especially along shaded stream gullies and bamboo patches. Often forages in quiet, dark forest floor microhabitats with abundant leaf litter.
