The rufous shrikethrush is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae.
Region
New Guinea and surrounding islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical lowland and hill rainforest, including edges, secondary growth, riverine thickets, and viney gullies. Prefers dense understory where it can remain concealed while foraging. It tolerates selectively logged forest and older regrowth but is most common in relatively intact habitat. Often keeps close to shaded areas and tangles near streams and gullies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the Australasian whistler family (Pachycephalidae), the rufous shrikethrush is more often heard than seen, delivering rich, whistled phrases from dense forest understory. It forages quietly and methodically, taking insects from foliage, bark, and leaf litter. Plumage varies subtly across its range, but typically shows warm rufous underparts and olive-brown upperparts. It is a shy, territorial bird that often occurs singly or in pairs.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, defending small territories within dense forest. Nesting is usually in concealed sites within shrubs or low vegetation, with both sexes involved in care. May join mixed-species foraging flocks occasionally but generally remains unobtrusive.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, mellow whistles delivered in clear, repeated phrases that carry well through forest. Calls include soft chips and sharper notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a warm rufous to cinnamon wash on the underparts; paler throat and chest with fine, diffuse streaking possible; feathers are plain-textured without bold patterning.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and small snails. Gleans methodically from foliage, branches, and trunks, and also probes leaf litter. Occasionally supplements diet with small fruits and berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded understory and midstory of rainforest, especially along gullies, stream margins, and dense vine tangles. Often forages from low perches with short hops and sally-pounces to capture prey.
