The white-throated oxylabes is a species of passerine bird that is endemic to Madagascar. It is the only species placed in the genus Oxylabes. Formerly considered as a member of the Old World warbler family Sylviidae, it has been moved to the family Bernieridae — the Malagasy warblers. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Eastern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen humid lowland and foothill forests with dense understory. Favors vine tangles, bamboo thickets, and streamside vegetation where it forages close to the ground. It tolerates some secondary growth if understory is intact but avoids degraded, open, or dry forests. Most frequently encountered in large, continuous tracts of moist forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This secretive understory bird is the sole member of its genus and is endemic to Madagascar’s humid forests. Formerly placed with Old World warblers, it is now recognized in the Malagasy warbler family Bernieridae. It often stays low and hidden but gives clear, ringing whistles that reveal its presence. Its bold white throat bordered by darker facial markings is a key field mark in the dim forest understory.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species understory flocks. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both parents are thought to contribute to rearing the young. Territorial during breeding, with persistent singing from concealed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, ringing whistles and short phrases delivered at intervals, often repeated from hidden perches. Also gives sharp chip and scold notes when agitated in dense cover.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with warmer brown wings and tail; underparts buffy to olive-buff. Clean white throat contrasts with darker face and malar area; faint pale supercilium may be present. Feathers appear plain overall, suited to camouflage in dense understory.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, stems, and bark while moving methodically through tangles. Occasionally probes leaf litter and mossy trunks and may sally short distances to snatch disturbed prey.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of humid evergreen forest, especially near streams, ravines, and bamboo or vine thickets. Often forages within the lowest few meters above the ground and at forest edges with thick cover.
