Cincloramphus rufus
The Long-legged Thicketbird, *Cincloramphus rufus*, is a distinctive and elusive passerine endemic to the dense undergrowth of New Guinea. Measuring approximately 16 cm in length and weighing 15-20 grams, it sports a rufous-brown crown and upperparts, transitioning to an olive-brown back and wings, with a contrasting whitish throat and belly, and rich rufous flanks. Its most prominent field marks are its noticeably long, dark legs, which are perfectly adapted for navigating its preferred thic...
Found primarily in dense montane rainforest undergrowth, secondary growth, and forest edges, typically at elevations between 600 and 2,000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, crickets, and spiders, gleaned from foliage and leaf litter.
This thicketbird is notoriously skulking and difficult to observe, spending much of its time foraging on or near the ground, often among tangled vegetation. Its daily activity patterns are largely diurnal, though it is most vocal during the early morning and late afternoon. Foraging involves glea...
The Long-legged Thicketbird is endemic to the island of New Guinea, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its distribution extends across the main island's montane regions, primarily inhabiting the central cordillera. I...
Least Concern
- The Long-legged Thicketbird is named for its disproportionately long legs, an adaptation for moving through dense undergrowth and foraging on the forest floor. - Despite its vivid rufous plumage, this bird is incredibly difficult to spot, often only detected by its loud and distinctive song. - ...