The grey-crowned tetraka, formerly known as the grey-crowned greenbul, is a species of Malagasy warbler in the family Bernieridae. It is found only in eastern and northern Madagascar.
Region
Eastern and northern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and semi-evergreen forests along Madagascar’s eastern and northern slopes. Prefers dense understory, forest edges, ravines, and areas with thickets or bamboo. It forages close to the ground to mid-levels, often near streams and in tangled vegetation. It is absent from dry western habitats and heavily degraded open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-crowned tetraka, formerly called the grey-crowned greenbul, is a Malagasy warbler in the family Bernieridae and occurs only in Madagascar’s humid forests. It is a shy, understory specialist that often joins mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss in eastern Madagascar’s rainforests likely affects local populations.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are likely placed low in shrubs or dense vegetation, with breeding during the rainy season typical for eastern Malagasy forest birds. Territorial songs and calls maintain pair bonds and spacing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched notes and short trills delivered from low perches within dense foliage. Calls are soft ‘tsip’ or ‘tsek’ contact notes used while foraging and moving with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting grey crown and nape, and paler yellowish to olive underparts. The throat is whitish to pale, with subtle streaking in some individuals. Understory-adapted, with neat, smooth feathers and a slender, pointed bill.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It probes leaf-litter tangles and sally-gleans short distances to snatch prey. Occasionally may take small berries or other soft plant material, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory of humid evergreen forest, especially in dense thickets, vine tangles, and bamboo. Often hunts along stream gullies and forest edges where insect activity is high.
