The white-eared catbird is a species of bird in the family Ptilonorhynchidae found on New Guinea and the West Papuan Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
New Guinea and West Papuan Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical forests of lowlands and foothills, including both moist evergreen and drier semi-deciduous forests. Common along forest edges, secondary growth, and riverine corridors where fruiting trees are abundant. Often keeps to dense midstory and lower canopy, moving methodically through foliage. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided fruit resources remain.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite belonging to the bowerbird family, catbirds are monogamous and do not build bowers; pairs defend territories and build platform nests. The species is named for its cat-like mewing calls and the conspicuous white patch over the ear coverts. It plays an important role in seed dispersal by swallowing fruits whole and moving between forest trees.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Generally seen singly or in pairs within defended territories. Unlike most bowerbirds, pairs are monogamous and cooperate in nesting, building a simple stick platform nest. Nests are placed in dense foliage, and both sexes may help feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, cat-like mewing notes and harsh squawks interspersed with mellow whistles. Calls carry well through forest and are often heard before the bird is seen.
Plumage
Mostly rich olive-green above with paler, lightly scalloped or mottled underparts; feathers have a satiny sheen typical of bowerbirds.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking figs, drupes, and a variety of rainforest fruits. Also consumes insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, especially when feeding young. Occasionally takes small vertebrates or eggs opportunistically. Swallows many fruits whole and later defecates seeds intact, aiding dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Forages in midstory and lower canopy of mature and secondary forests, often at fruiting trees or along edges. Will visit forest gaps and river margins where fruiting shrubs are concentrated.
