Cincloramphus mariae
The New Caledonian Thicketbird, *Cincloramphus mariae*, is a small, nondescript passerine endemic to the dense undergrowth of New Caledonia. Measuring approximately 14 cm in length and weighing 10-15 grams, it presents an olive-brown plumage dorsally, contrasting with a paler yellowish-olive underside. A subtle but distinctive pale supercilium above the eye serves as a key field mark for identification, aiding in spotting this often-skulking species within its thicket habitat. Its short tail ...
Resides in dense undergrowth, shrubland, tall grasses, secondary growth, and forest edges, often near streams or rivers, from sea level up to around 1,000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates gleaned from foliage, ground, and occasionally caught in short aerial sallies.
This species exhibits a largely diurnal and highly skulking nature, spending most of its time hidden deep within dense vegetation, making it challenging to observe. Foraging occurs predominantly low to the ground, where it gleans small insects and other invertebrates from foliage, bark, and leaf ...
The New Caledonian Thicketbird is exclusively endemic to the main island of Grand Terre within the New Caledonia archipelago in the South Pacific. Its distribution spans across the entirety of this large island, from the low-lying coastal plains to the higher elevations of montane forests, reachi...
Least Concern
- The New Caledonian Thicketbird is one of 23 bird species found nowhere else in the world, being strictly endemic to New Caledonia. - Despite its small size, its distinctive, high-pitched song is often the best way to locate this elusive bird in its dense habitat. - It belongs to the family Locu...