The black sittella is one of two species of birds in the family Neosittidae. It is found in endemic to New Guinea, where it is found in the highlands.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Endemic to the central montane spine of New Guinea, occurring in mossy montane forests, Nothofagus and oak (Lithocarpus/Castanopsis) forests, and edges of mature upland woodland. It prefers mid- to upper-canopy strata and often works along large limbs and trunks. The species uses forest edges, small gaps, and ridgelines where arthropod prey is easier to glean. It may locally enter degraded montane woodland if large trees remain. Overall it is a highland specialist with a patchy but widespread occurrence along the range.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black sittella is a small, acrobatic bark-gleaner that forages nuthatch-style along trunks and branches. It typically moves in tight family parties and is thought to show cooperative breeding, similar to its Australian relative, the varied sittella. Its uniform dark plumage and bright legs make it distinctive among New Guinea’s montane songbirds.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, undulating darts between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family parties that move methodically along trunks and branches. Groups keep close contact with soft calls while foraging. Nest is a small, well-camouflaged cup placed on a horizontal branch; both sexes participate in nesting duties, and helpers are suspected.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched seeps and twitters used for contact within the group. Song is subdued and simple, often a series of squeaky notes rather than a complex phrase.
