Pachycephala melanorhyncha
The Biak Whistler (Pachycephala melanorhyncha) is a striking and endemic passerine bird found exclusively on Biak Island and its immediate vicinity, off the coast of New Guinea in Indonesia. Males are particularly distinctive, boasting a glossy black hood covering the head, nape, and upper breast, which starkly contrasts with a vibrant lemon-yellow lower breast and belly. Their back, rump, and wings are an olive-green, complemented by a black tail, bill, and legs. Measuring approximately 14.5...
Inhabits tropical moist lowland forests, secondary growth, and forest edges, occasionally venturing into overgrown gardens, from sea level up to low elevations (around 200-300 meters).
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, caterpillars, ants, grasshoppers, and spiders. Forages by gleaning prey from leaves, branches, and bark, and may occasionally consume small fruits.
The Biak Whistler is a diurnal bird, active primarily during daylight hours, foraging solitarily or in pairs within the mid-story and canopy layers of its forest habitat. It employs a gleaning foraging strategy, meticulously plucking insects and spiders from foliage, twigs, and bark, occasionally...
The Biak Whistler is strictly endemic to Biak Island, West Papua, Indonesia. Its primary stronghold is on Biak itself, where it can be found throughout suitable forest habitats from sea level up to low hills, generally not exceeding 300 meters in elevation. There are also unconfirmed or sparse re...
Near Threatened
- The Biak Whistler is a true 'island specialist,' found only on Biak Island and a few tiny nearby islets in Indonesia. - Male Biak Whistlers have one of the most striking plumages among all whistler species, with their glossy black hood and brilliant yellow underparts. - Its scientific name, *me...