Spotted Catbird

The Spotted Catbird, Ailuroedus maculosus, is a robust avian species adorned with emerald green upperparts and green-olive underparts, generously speckled with pale spots. A distinctive black spot sits below its dark red eye, and its stout, cream-colored beak is quite prominent. With a body length ranging from 26 to 30 centimeters, males are slightly heavier than females, weighing in at 180 grams compared to the females' 168 grams.

Identification Tips

To identify the Spotted Catbird, look for its large, dusky head with a blackish cap and black ear-patch. Bright-green upperparts with heavy olive chevrons and white streaking on the underbody are key features. Slim white wing bars and a white-tipped green tail are also characteristic. The red eye and bluish-grey legs and feet complete the bird's distinctive appearance.

Habitat

This species thrives in the lush tropical rainforests of the Australo-Papuan region, with a particular fondness for well-vegetated areas featuring steep creek slopes and forests interwoven with Calamus tangles.

Distribution

The Spotted Catbird is native to north Queensland, the eastern Moluccas, and New Guinea. In Australia, it is found in two isolated populations in far north Queensland, with the Bellenden Ker range potentially serving as the species' stronghold.

Behaviour

The Spotted Catbird exhibits a curious and bold demeanor, often approaching humans who venture into its territory. It is known for its arboreal displays and vocalizations, which include a loud, cat-like wailing and a nasal "here-I-arr" call accompanied by sharp clicks and cries.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Spotted Catbird is quite extensive, featuring a variety of calls that can be heard throughout the day, with peaks at dawn and dusk. Their calls become more frequent in cooler temperatures, particularly after rainfall.

Breeding

Spotted Catbirds are monogamous, with pair bonds sometimes lasting multiple breeding seasons. They do not build bowers but instead construct nests where the female alone incubates the eggs. Breeding season spans from August to March.

Similar Species

The Green Catbird, Ailuroedus crassirostris, shares some similarities but can be distinguished by its lack of black ear-coverts and reduced dorsal spotting.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily frugivorous, the Spotted Catbird consumes a variety of small to medium-sized fruits, as well as insects, beetles, and occasionally other birds' nestlings. Its bright green plumage may serve as camouflage, allowing it to forage undisturbed.

Conservation status

The Spotted Catbird is currently evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, habitat destruction and climate change pose potential threats to its well-being.