Region

New Guinea Highlands

Typical Environment

Occurs across the central cordillera of New Guinea in both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua and Highland Papua. Prefers mossy montane forest, forest edges, and secondary growth with dense shrub layers. It also occupies subalpine thickets near treeline and regenerating landslides where low, tangled vegetation is abundant. Often local but can be one of the common small insectivores where habitat is intact.

Altitude Range

1200–3500 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, frequently joining mixed-species foraging parties. Nests are domed or enclosed structures placed low in dense shrubs or tangles. Breeding pairs are territorial during the nesting period but tolerate neighbors at foraging sites.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

High, thin trills and tinkling phrases delivered in short series, often while foraging. Calls include soft tsip and tsee notes that keep contact within the group. Vocalizations are modest in volume but persistent.

Diet

Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects, spiders, and their larvae. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and mossy limbs, occasionally probing bark crevices. Will hawk briefly for flushed insects and may pick tiny invertebrates from epiphytes. Seeds or nectar are taken only opportunistically.

Preferred Environment

Forages in the shrub layer to mid-story of montane forest, especially in dense, mossy thickets. Readily uses edges, secondary growth, and subalpine scrub where low foliage is abundant.