The Green Catbirds, Ailuroedus crassirostris, is a species of bowerbird found in subtropical forest areas along the east coast of Australia, from southeastern Queensland to southern New South Wales. This bird is different from its famous relatives, which build elaborate bowers. It’s more private, monogamous and fascinating. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts are fascinated by its emerald green plumage and cat-like calls. The Green Catbird can be found along Australia’s east coast in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. For more information, see our guide on backyard birds.
The Green Catbird is a fascinating bird with its subtle yet equally captivating lifestyle. Its name is due to its unmistakable call, similar to that of an angry cat, although it has also been mistaken for a crying child. The Green Catbird is a bird that rewards patience and keen eyes. The Green Catbird prefers to be in the forest shadows, so each encounter is a memorable experience for anyone exploring Australia’s amazing biodiversity.
Description
Green Catbirds can be large or medium-sized birds. They are robust and weigh around 207 grams. Its colouring is emerald green, with faint black markings on the face and white streaks on the neck. These are often flecked or streaked with white spots to help them blend in with the foliage. The birds have a dusky crown, a deep red eye, and a pale, emerald-green bill. The birds are stout, which is perfect for them to navigate the upper and middle levels of the canopy while they hunt for food.
The juvenile Green Catbird is duller than the adult and lacks the same green tones. This helps them camouflage themselves in their early stages of life. The Green Catbird is extremely similar to the Spotted Catbird and is considered the same species by some. Many experts consider the two species to be the same due to their similar features. Green Catbirds are also easily confused with Satin Bowerbirds. This is especially true for females and young birds, who have similar green plumage. Satin Bowerbirds, on the other hand, have blue eyes, darker bills, and more scalloped patterning on their underparts. These are all useful details to remember when birdwatching.
Behaviour
Green Catbirds can be seen active throughout the day. They are also known for having a strong sense of territoriality. Green Catbirds are monogamous, unlike other bowerbirds, which display decorative courtship displays and polygamous behaviour. They are either in pairs or small groups, and they work together to raise the young. Both parents help to defend their territory and feed the chicks.
The males of Green Catbirds are also different from their bowerbird relatives in that they do not build bowers as a way to attract mates. They focus on maintaining a food-rich, safe territory to raise their family. The Green Catbirds are a familiar sight and sound in rainforest habitats because they usually stay in the same place all year. Green Catbirds are a rewarding bird to observe. Their cooperative behaviour and their eerie call make it a memorable experience.
Calls / Songs
Green Catbirds are named after their unusual cat-like calls – a long, mewing noise that echoes throughout the forest. It is said to sound eerily like the cry of a baby. This can be surprising, if not expected! This call is a great way to find these shy birds, especially in dense rainforests. According to RSPB, this species is well documented.
Diet / Feeding
Green Catbirds feed mainly on fruit, flowers and other plants. They have been reported to feed their young with small birds or reptiles. According to eBird, this species is well documented.
Breeding
The breeding season is from September to January. Green Catbirds pair monogamously, and the nests are noted for having an unusual layer of wet, soft wood beneath the lining of fine twigs and leaves, giving them a large size.
Habitat
Green Catbirds prefer dense, moist and shady rainforests along the east coast. Most commonly, they are found in subtropical and tropical rainforests that stretch from southern Queensland to northern New South Wales. They can also be found in nearby wet sclerophyll forests, paperbark forests, or even eucalypt woodlands near rainforest edges. The birds can be found in the upper and mid canopy, where their green feathers blend perfectly with the foliage.
They are a good indicator of forest quality because they live in healthy rainforest habitats. If you see or hear a Green Catbird, you are likely in an ecosystem that is thriving. Birdwatchers who want to locate them can listen and look carefully during the morning hours or in the late afternoon, when they are most active.
Conservation Status
Widespread throughout its habitat range, the Green Catbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
References
- BirdLife International (2004). Ailuroedus crassirostris. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. The database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
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