The Sepik-Ramu shrikethrush is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in the northern lowlands and foothills of Papua New Guinea, centered on the Sepik and Ramu drainage systems. Prefers primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest with dense understory and vine tangles. Regular along forest edges, riverine thickets, and occasionally in well-wooded gardens near forest. It is generally a resident species with localized movements tracking resources. Human disturbance tends to push it into deeper forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sepik-Ramu shrikethrush is a forest songbird of northern New Guinea, belonging to the Australasian whistler family Pachycephalidae. It keeps to dense understory along major river basins and is more often heard than seen, with rich, whistled phrases. Like other shrikethrushes, it forages methodically, gleaning insects from leaves, bark, and vine tangles. Its subtle plumage provides excellent camouflage in shadowed rainforest.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs within well-defined territories. Forms monogamous pairs during breeding, building a neat cup nest low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Both sexes likely participate in parental care, as in related shrikethrushes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, mellow series of whistled notes, often delivered in repeated phrases from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used between pair members.
Plumage
Plain, soft-textured plumage with brown-olive upperparts and warmer rufous-buff underparts, often slightly paler on the throat. Subtle mottling on the breast may be visible at close range. The bill is sturdy with a slight hook at the tip.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. Also takes small snails or other invertebrates when encountered. Occasionally supplements with small berries or rainforest fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and mid-story, gleaning from leaves, bark, mossy trunks, and vines. Often works along shaded trails, river edges, and dense thickets where prey is abundant.
