Fairy Gerygone

Overview

The fairy gerygone (Gerygone palpebrosa), previously known as the fairy warbler, is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae native to New Guinea and Queensland, Australia. The species is classified by the IUCN as Least Concern, with a wide range and stable population.

Identification

• Olive upperparts with yellow underparts
• Brownish tails and short black bills and legs
• Red eyes
• Males possess a black throat
• Subspecies flavida is distinguished from personata by the white tip of its tail

Habitat

Found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, the fairy gerygone inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.

Did you know?

The bird was historically known as the 'hornet-nest bird' because it has a propensity to nest near wasp nests, possibly as a defense strategy against predators. Additionally, males hold themselves erect to sing loudly when they hear predator calls, a behaviour that may serve to advertise their prowess to potential mates during times of danger.