The southern shrikebill, or brown flycatcher, is a songbird species in the family Monarchidae. It is found in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Southwest Pacific (New Caledonia and Vanuatu)
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and tropical moist forests on New Caledonia and across parts of Vanuatu. It favors primary and mature secondary lowland forest but also enters degraded forest and dense thickets. Birds typically forage from the understory to mid-canopy, especially in tangled vines and dead leaf clusters. It is generally absent from very open habitats and urban areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This shrikebill uses a broad, laterally flattened bill to pry into dead leaves, bark, and vine tangles for hidden insects. It is a shy forest songbird that often stays in the understory and mid-story, making it easier to hear than to see. Several island subspecies occur across New Caledonia and Vanuatu, differing subtly in tone and size.
Temperament
skulking and quiet in dense cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches within the forest
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forest. Builds a neat cup nest in dense vegetation; both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties. May join mixed-species flocks while foraging but remains unobtrusive.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, whistled phrases interspersed with dry churring notes. Calls include sharp ticks given from cover; overall vocalizations are modest and can be easily overlooked amid forest sounds.
