The tan-capped catbird is a species of bird in the family Ptilonorhynchidae. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea and surrounding islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests across northern New Guinea, in both Indonesia (West Papua/Papua) and Papua New Guinea. It frequents primary rainforest as well as well-developed secondary forest, edges, and riverine corridors. Most activity is within the mid to upper canopy, though it will descend for ripe fruiting trees. It is generally absent from heavily cleared or open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The tan-capped catbird is a bowerbird that, unlike many of its relatives, does not build elaborate bowers; instead, pairs maintain territories and build typical cup nests. Its name comes from the contrasting buffy-tan cap that sets off its otherwise green plumage. It gives distinctive cat-like mewing calls that carry through the forest. As a key frugivore, it helps disperse seeds of many rainforest plants.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through the canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within well-defended territories. Unlike many bowerbirds, pairs are socially monogamous and both parents participate in nest building and chick rearing. Nests are well-hidden cups placed in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include drawn-out, cat-like mews, harsh grating notes, and abrupt wheezy calls. Phrases are delivered from concealed perches and carry well in dense forest.
Plumage
Dense, satin-like green upperparts with faint scalloping; paler, lightly barred or scalloped underparts. Distinctive buff-tan crown contrasts with the green mantle; wings and tail are dark green with subtle edging.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits and berries, including figs and other fleshy rainforest fruits. Supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, especially when feeding young. Occasionally takes nectar or small vertebrates opportunistically. Its fruit feeding plays an important role in seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid to upper canopy, moving methodically along fruiting branches. Also visits forest edges and clearings where pioneer trees are fruiting.
