Distribution Map
Dusky Gerygone
Gerygone tenebrosa
EndemicStatus
CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Dusky Gerygone (Gerygone tenebrosa) is a small, inconspicuous songbird found only in the mangrove forests along the northwestern coast of Australia. Known for its quiet presence and subtle plumage, this species is a true specialist of mangrove environments, where it spends its entire life foraging, nesting, and singing among the tangled branches.
Fun Facts
Dusky Gerygones build hanging, dome-shaped nests with a long “tail” almost as long as the nest itself.
1. Pale white or cream iris unique among small Australian birds
2. Slim, relatively long bill compared to other gerygones
3. Subtle olive-grey and off-white plumage with minimal tail markings
These birds feed mainly on insects, spiders, and occasionally small snails or crabs found among mangrove leaves and flowers. Breeding takes place mostly during the dry season, with pairs building compact, domed nests that have a distinctive tail-like extension, suspended from mangrove branches. Both parents share in nest-building and feeding the chicks. Despite their small size, Dusky Gerygones can live for more than eight years in the wild.
Dusky Gerygones are found exclusively in mangrove forests along the northwestern coastline of Western Australia, from Shark Bay northwards. They are most often seen in the outer canopy of taller mangroves, especially where Bruguiera and Aegiceras species grow. Early mornings are the best time to spot them as they actively forage among the foliage, sometimes venturing down to lower branches or prop roots.
Physical Attributes
Height
11 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds4%
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