The Papuan whipbird is a little-known and unobtrusive species of bird in the family Psophodidae. It is monotypic within the genus Androphobus. It is found in Western New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in dense understory of montane and submontane rainforest in Western New Guinea (Indonesian Papua). It favors mossy forest, thickets, and edges with tangled vines and bamboo. The species is locally distributed and often patchy, reflecting its preference for dense ground and mid-story cover. It typically keeps to shadowed ravines and steep slopes where leaf litter and low shrubs are abundant.
Altitude Range
1000–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Papuan whipbird is a secretive understory bird of montane forests in western New Guinea and the sole member of its genus, Androphobus. Like other whipbirds, it is more often heard than seen, delivering sharp, carrying calls from dense cover. Pairs likely engage in antiphonal duets, a hallmark of the whipbird family. Very little is published on its breeding biology, making it one of New Guinea’s more enigmatic passerines.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, moving quietly through understory tangles. Likely territorial during the breeding season, with pairs maintaining small home ranges. Breeding behavior is poorly known, but duet-like calling by pairs is suspected as in other whipbirds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sharp, carrying series of whistles and whip-like notes that cut through forest noise. Calls often begin with a clear whistle followed by a abrupt crack, delivered from concealed perches. Vocalizations aid contact between mates in dense vegetation.
