The fan-tailed berrypecker is a species of bird in the family Melanocharitidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in New Guinea’s central cordillera and associated ranges, using mature montane and mossy forest as well as forest edges and secondary growth. It forages mainly in the midstory to canopy, sometimes descending to fruiting shrubs along trails and clearings. The species tolerates a degree of disturbance where fruiting plants persist. It is generally local to fairly common where suitable habitat is extensive.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A quiet, arboreal frugivore of New Guinea’s montane forests, the fan-tailed berrypecker often flicks and fans its rounded tail while foraging. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through the midstory and canopy. By consuming and dispersing small berries, it plays an important role in montane forest regeneration.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or as part of mixed-species flocks moving through fruiting trees. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest placed in dense foliage. Territoriality appears modest, with foraging ranges overlapping where fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched notes and soft, clipped whistles. Vocalizations are modest and easily overlooked amid forest background noise.
Plumage
Plain, neat plumage typical of berrypeckers, with subdued olive to grayish tones and a rounded tail often held fanned. Underparts are generally paler, with minimal streaking.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small berries and other soft fruits, including mistletoe and understorey shrubs. Supplements diet with small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, especially when fruit is scarce. Often swallows fruit whole and later disperses seeds.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of montane and mossy forest, visiting fruiting trees and vine tangles. Also uses forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth where fruiting plants are present.
