The black pitohui is a species of bird in the monotypic genus of Melanorectes in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found throughout the highlands of New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely along the central cordillera of New Guinea, including foothill, hill, and lower montane forests. It frequents dense primary rainforest as well as mature secondary growth and forest edges. The species favors midstory and understory strata where it can forage unobtrusively. It is generally absent from open lowlands and heavily disturbed habitats far from forest cover.
Altitude Range
300–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Black Pitohui is the sole member of the genus Melanorectes within the whistler family Pachycephalidae. It is a shy forest bird of New Guinea’s uplands and often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Unlike some other pitohuis notable for skin toxins, toxicity in this species is not well documented. It remains little known in many aspects of its life history due to the remoteness of its habitat.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often encountered singly, in pairs, or as part of mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest midstory. Territorial behavior is present during the breeding season, with vocal duets or countersinging between neighbors. Nesting is poorly documented but likely a small cup placed in shrubs or small trees, similar to other pachycephalids.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow whistles and clear, short phrases typical of whistlers, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include soft chacks and piping notes used to keep contact within pairs or mixed flocks.
Plumage
Mostly uniform sooty-black plumage with a slight satin sheen; feathers appear smooth and unpatterned.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage, twigs, and bark. It also takes small fruits and berries when available, especially in forest edges and gaps. Foraging is methodical and deliberate, with short sallies to snatch prey. It may follow mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory to mid-canopy of dense rainforest, along forest trails, and at edges where fruiting shrubs are present. It occasionally ventures into mature secondary forest but stays close to continuous cover.
