The Rennell shrikebill is a songbird species in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Solomon Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Rennell Island, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest on raised limestone. It favors primary and mature secondary forest with dense understory, vine tangles, and fallen limbs where it can probe for invertebrates. It forages mostly in the lower to mid strata, often near rotting wood and bark crevices. The species tolerates light disturbance but declines with heavy logging and extensive canopy opening.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 150 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the monarch flycatcher family, the Rennell shrikebill uses its unusually broad, laterally flattened bill to pry insects from dead wood and leaf tangles. It is restricted to Rennell Island and is sensitive to forest degradation. The species often stays concealed in dense understory, revealing itself by dry clicks and soft whistles. Habitat protection on Rennell is key to its persistence.
Temperament
skulking and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs maintain small territories within suitable forest. The nest is likely a small cup placed in a fork in dense vegetation, with both sexes participating in care. Breeding is presumed during wetter months with local variation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, whistled notes interspersed with dry clacks and churring sounds. Calls are subdued and often delivered from cover, making the bird easier to hear than to see.
Plumage
Mostly plain olive-brown above with paler, buffy underparts and a slightly warmer wash on the flanks and undertail. The bill is conspicuously broad and laterally flattened, giving the head a chunky look. Subtle pale eyebrow and dusky lores; wings and tail darker brown with minimal patterning.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, spiders, and larvae. It gleans from leaves and branches and pries prey from bark crevices and rotting wood using its powerful, flattened bill. Occasionally takes small fruits when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in lower to mid-levels of dense forest, especially in vine tangles, fallen logs, and deadwood-rich microhabitats. Often forages along shady forest interiors and edges of mature secondary growth while avoiding open areas.
