gerygone

Gerygone is a genus of small passerine birds belonging to the family Acanthizidae. These birds are commonly known as gerygones or fairy-wrens. They are found in Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. Gerygones are characterized by their small size, slender build, and often drab plumage, though some species display brighter markings. They typically inhabit woodlands, forests, and scrublands, where they forage for insects and spiders among foliage. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, which they glean from leaves and branches.

The genus Gerygone contains around 18 recognized species. Some well-known examples include the Western Gerygone, the Eastern Thornbill, and the Mangrove Gerygone. These birds are generally active and constantly on the move as they search for food. Their songs are often described as musical and complex, varying between species. Breeding typically involves the construction of small, cup-shaped nests, often woven with spider webs and plant material, which are usually suspended from a branch. Both parents are usually involved in incubation and raising the young. Gerygones play a role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Their distribution is wide across Australasia, with some species being migratory.