Rusty Thicketbird Cincloramphus rubiginosus Scientific name definitions

18–19·5 cm; c. 26–30 g. A relatively long-tailed, medium-sized warbler. Has bright rufous side of head, including lores and supercilium; crown and entire upperparts dark earth-brown, becoming washed chestnut on uppertail-coverts and tail; bright rufous throat and underparts, becoming darker brown on lower belly and undertail-coverts; iris grey or brown; bill blackish, paler towards base of lower mandible; legs pale pinkish-brown to brown. Distinguished from M. whitneyi (of race grosvenori) by e.g. larger size and longer tail, wholly rufous head side lacking dark mask. Sexes similar. Presumed juvenile has darker head side than adult, lacking rufous supercilium, paler buffy-rufous underparts (palest on throat) with more contrasting dark brown flanks and undertail-coverts.

Lowlands of New Britain, in Bismarck Archipelago.

Undergrowth of both primary forest and secondary forest; occurs also in overgrown gardens and dense stands of ginger. Lowlands and hills, up to at least 1400 m. Replaced at higher elevations (in forest on limestone at 1700 m) by M. whitneyi (of race grosvenori).

Resident, so far as is known.

No specific information on diet, other than insects and small snails. Typically found in pairs or family parties. As shy and skulking as congeners. Forages on forest floor under cover of ferns; hops along, holding tail partially fanned and half-cocked.

Song described as a very sweet pure phrase of 5 notes, second note two tones above first, third a tone below first, fourth a tone above first and last note the same as first; has been likened to song of a mouse-warbler (Crateroscelis). Contact notes described as low “churr” or, when pair-members separated, as dry staccato trill which can break into sharp chattering.

Poorly studied. Eggs taken in Nov, Dec and Jan, suggesting breeding during rainy season. Nest described as “a free-standing leaf nest on the ground”. Clutch probably 2 eggs. No other information.

Not globally threatened. Restricted-range species: present in New Britain and New Ireland EBA. Status difficult to assess owing to its extremely skulking habits. Seems to be locally common, although is generally considered scarce (because of its elusive nature). Introduced mammalian predators, especially feral cats, are the most likely threats for this terrestrial species.