Melanocharis nigra
The Black Berrypecker, *Melanocharis nigra*, is a small, enigmatic passerine bird endemic to the lush forests of New Guinea. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 10-15 grams, this slender bird presents a surprisingly sleek appearance despite its diminutive size. Males are predominantly glossy black, often with a subtle bluish or purplish sheen, especially on the upperparts, contrasting with a distinctive yellowish-white underwing patch visible in fli...
Primarily inhabits lower to mid-montane rainforests and secondary growth, typically at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,800 meters (occasionally higher).
Feeds predominantly on small fruits and berries, supplemented by a significant portion of insects and spiders, which are gleaned or hawked from vegetation.
This active and often restless bird spends its days foraging in the forest canopy and subcanopy, exhibiting a rather solitary or paired existence, though sometimes joining mixed-species feeding flocks. Foraging involves agile gleaning of fruits and insects from foliage and branches, often hanging...
The Black Berrypecker is widely distributed throughout the island of New Guinea, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its breeding range extends across the entirety of this large island, from the lowlands of the Fly Ri...
Least Concern
- The Black Berrypecker is part of a small bird family, Melanocharitidae, found only on the island of New Guinea and its immediate surroundings. - Despite their name, berrypeckers are not closely related to true flowerpeckers (Dicaeidae) or honeyeaters (Meliphagidae). - Their glossy black plumage...