The New Caledonia thicketbird or New Caledonia grassbird, is a bird species. Previously placed in the "Old World warbler" family Sylviidae, it does not seem to be a close relative of the typical warblers; probably it belongs in the grass warbler family Locustellidae. This species is endemic to New Caledonia.
Region
New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the main island of Grande Terre, where it occupies maquis shrublands, tall grasslands, and the edges of humid forest. It favors dense, low vegetation with plenty of cover, often near ecotones and lightly disturbed areas. The species typically forages close to the ground, using thick cover to remain concealed. Local distribution is patchy and linked to availability of intact thicket habitats. Fire regimes and mining activities can fragment suitable areas.
Altitude Range
0–1400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive skulker lives in dense shrubland and tall grass, often remaining hidden while delivering a distinctive, insect-like trill. Formerly placed with Old World warblers (Sylviidae), it is now treated in the grassbird family Locustellidae. Habitat loss from fire and mining, along with introduced predators, threatens its small, localized population in New Caledonia.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping low in dense vegetation. Nests are likely placed low in shrubs or on the ground, built as a cup hidden in thick cover. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season and communicate with soft calls from within cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, insect-like trill or reeling series delivered from deep cover, sometimes given at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft ticks and buzzy notes, easily overlooked amid ambient insect sounds.
Plumage
Upperparts are warm brown with fine, darker streaking; underparts buffy to greyish with lighter streaking on the breast and flanks. Feathers are soft and cryptic, aiding concealment in dense cover. The tail is long and graduated, often flicked while the bird moves through vegetation.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans from grass stems and low shrubs and probes leaf litter. Prey is taken with quick, precise strikes, often after short pauses while it listens.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense maquis, tall grass clumps, and at the edges of scrub and secondary growth. It favors microhabitats with deep leaf litter and intertwined stems that provide both prey and concealment.
