The ochre-breasted catbird is a species of bird in the family Ptilonorhynchidae. It is found in southern New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in southern New Guinea, primarily in lowland and foothill forests. It inhabits tropical moist lowland forest, swamp forest edges, gallery forests, and patches of secondary growth. The species favors dense midstory and canopy layers where fruiting trees are common. It can persist in selectively logged areas if key fruit resources remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ochre-breasted catbird is a monogamous bowerbird—unusual in its family because it does not build bowers. Pairs defend territories year-round in dense lowland forests. Its name comes from its cat-like, mewing calls that carry through the understory. It was recently split from the white-eared catbird complex based on vocal and genetic differences.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between cover
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in monogamous pairs that maintain territories. Both sexes participate in nesting and rearing young, building a cup nest in dense vegetation. Courtship involves vocal duets and soft displays rather than bower construction.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud cat-like mews and wails, often repeated from concealed perches. Also gives harsh scolds and mellow whistles during pair communication.
