The Vogelkop scrubwren is a bird species in the family Acanthizidae. It is endemic to West Papua, Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea (Bird's Head Peninsula)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests of the Arfak and Tamrau ranges on the Vogelkop Peninsula. It favors dense, mossy understory and vine tangles, often near forest edges and along ridgelines. Birds are typically encountered in pairs or small family parties, sometimes within mixed flocks. It is a year-round resident within its limited range.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the Vogelkop (Bird's Head) Peninsula of West Papua, Indonesia, this small scrubwren keeps to mossy montane forests. It forages quietly in the understory and often joins mixed-species flocks with other New Guinea insectivores. The common name reflects its restricted range, while the species epithet hints at its warm, rufescent tones. Its domed nest, built close to the ground, is typical of acanthizid warblers.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks in the mid- to lower understory. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft calls. Nests are domed structures of grasses and moss placed low in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched trills and thin tseep notes, delivered at close range. Calls are contact-oriented and can form simple duets between paired birds.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent upperparts with olive-brown hues, paler buff underparts with faint mottling on the throat and breast. Subtle pale eyebrow and slightly darker lores; wings and tail are plain without strong bars. Feathers appear soft and slightly shaggy in the face and throat.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects, spiders, and their larvae gleaned from leaves, bark, and moss. It occasionally probes among epiphytes and dead leaf clusters. Minor intake of small berries may occur when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory and mid-story of mossy montane forest, along forest edges, and in vine tangles. Often forages methodically along branches and among epiphytes, sometimes accompanying mixed flocks.
