The green-backed gerygone is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae found in northern Australia and New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
New Guinea and Northern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs through lowland forests and extensive mangrove systems of New Guinea, adjacent islands, and northern Australia. It favors edges, riverine corridors, and sheltered coastal woodlands where dense foliage supports abundant arthropods. In Australia it is found in the Top End and Cape York, often near tidal creeks and estuaries. In New Guinea it ranges broadly in lowlands and foothills.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny Australo-Papuan warbler, the green-backed gerygone is most often detected by its high, sweet, repetitive whistles in mangroves and lowland rainforest. It weaves a small, suspended dome nest with a side entrance, hanging from foliage. The olive-green back that gives it its name contrasts with pale underparts, aiding quick field identification in dappled canopy light.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between branches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy and midstorey. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding and communicate with soft contact calls. The species builds a suspended, domed nest woven from fine plant fibers and spider silk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, sweet, and repetitive whistles often delivered in short series. The song carries well in mangroves and lowland forest and is a key cue to its presence.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a distinctly green back, contrasting pale greyish-white throat and breast, and a light yellow wash on the belly and flanks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and the underside of foliage. It occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flying prey. Foraging is rapid and methodical, picking prey from the outer canopy and midstorey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mangrove thickets, lowland rainforest edges, and riverine woodland. Often works along leafy branch tips and vine tangles where arthropods concentrate.
