Toxorhamphus poliopterus
The Slaty-headed Longbill (Toxorhamphus poliopterus) is a captivating, small passerine bird endemic to the mountainous regions of New Guinea, instantly recognizable by its distinctive coloration and specialized bill. Measuring approximately 12.5-13 cm in length and weighing around 9-10.5 grams, it exhibits a striking slaty-grey head, nape, mantle, and back, which contrasts sharply with its bright yellowish-green underparts, featuring a paler chin and throat and a vibrant yellow belly. Its mos...
This species primarily inhabits montane and hill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, sometimes venturing into disturbed areas or gardens. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,400 meters above sea level, occasionally lower to 500 meters.
The diet of the Slaty-headed Longbill primarily consists of nectar and small arthropods, including spiders, ants, and beetles, supplemented with small fruits. It forages by probing and gleaning with its specialized bill, often while hovering.
The Slaty-headed Longbill is a highly active and often solitary or paired bird, foraging energetically throughout the day from the understorey to the canopy. It employs its specialized, downcurved bill to probe meticulously into flowers for nectar, and to glean small insects and spiders from moss...
The Slaty-headed Longbill is endemic to the island of New Guinea, where it is a resident species across its distribution. Its range spans the central mountain ranges, including the Snow Mountains and Star Mountains, extending eastwards into the Owen Stanley Range, and also occurring on some north...
Least Concern
- The Slaty-headed Longbill is one of only ten species in the endemic New Guinean family Melanocharitidae, making it a unique evolutionary lineage. - Its long, downcurved bill is a remarkable example of convergent evolution, resembling bills found in sunbirds and honeyeaters that occupy similar e...