Alternative name: Arfak Berrypecker
- Melanocharis arfakiana
Identification
11.5cm (4½ in). A very small Berrypecker.
- Pale stubby bill
- Short tail
- Olive grey wash on upperparts
- Yellow wing linings and pectoral tufts
- Dingy olive-grey below
Sexes similar, immatures not certainly described.
Similar species
The pale bill, the greyish head and the bright yellow pectoral tufts distinguish this species from female Black Berrypeckers.
Distribution
Patchily distributed in the eastern half of New Guinea, no recent records from Arfak mountains in the west. A very poorly known restricted-range species.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Forms perhaps a species pair with Black Berrypecker.
Habitat
Hill forest, forest edge and secondary growth. Recorded from 640m to at least 1100m.
Behaviour
Diet poorly known. Has been seen taking small berries and arthropods.
Recorded singly or in pairs.
Strongly arboreal and hard to see.
Probable juveniles seen in July and October, pairs observed from May to August. Apparently territorial.
Probably a resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2008. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 13: Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553453
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Obscure Berrypecker. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 17 September 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Obscure_Berrypecker
