Spotted Catbird
Scientific Name: Ailuroedus melanotis
Size: 26 to 30 cm
What does it look like?
The Spotted Catbird is a large, secretive, solid green, dark-headed bird with a red iris and a stout pale bill. Feeding birds are quite difficult to detect because their green plumage blends with the rainforest foliage. The only other member of this genus is the larger Green Catbird, found in southern Queensland and along the east coast of New South Wales, which lacks the blackish ear coverts and has more uniform bright green plumage with distinct white spots on the underparts.
Where is it found?
Occurs in north-eastern Queensland, Australia, and is also found throughout New Guinea.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Spotted Catbird, or Black-eared Catbird, inhabits the tropical rainforests. It has long powerful legs and bounds from branch to branch in search for food. When seen, the Spotted Catbird is generally alone, in pairs or in small groups consisting of an adult pair and their offspring. More often heard than seen.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
