The mountain mouse-warbler is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Central Cordillera from the mountains of western New Guinea (Indonesia) through the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, especially mossy forest with dense undergrowth. Often found in bamboo thickets, forest edges, and secondary growth adjacent to mature forest. It forages close to the ground and rarely ascends into the canopy.
Altitude Range
1000–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its mouse-like skulking habits, it creeps through dense understory and leaf-litter more than it flies. It builds a domed nest with a side entrance close to the ground, typical of many acanthizids. Its secretive behavior makes it more often heard than seen in the misty montane forests of New Guinea.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over brief distances
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, moving mouse-like through dense understory. Nests are domed with a side entrance, placed low among roots, ferns, or mossy banks. Territorial pairs maintain year-round territories in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include soft tseep and ticking notes, repeated in steady sequences and sometimes in duet between pair members.
Plumage
Plain, soft-textured plumage with dark olive-brown upperparts and warmer buffy to rufous-tinged underparts; throat paler and slightly contrasting. Wings and tail lack bars or spots, giving a uniformly dusky look. Face can appear slightly greyer with subtle pale eyebrow.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and ants. Gleans prey from leaf-litter, fallen logs, and low vegetation, often probing among moss and tangled roots. Occasionally snaps small prey from the undersides of leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the forest floor within dense, humid understory of montane rainforest. Frequently forages along mossy banks, bamboo patches, and thickets near streams or forest edges.
