Greater melampitta

The greater melampitta is a species of bird in the family Melampittidae. It is the only species in the genus Megalampitta, although it was once placed in the genus Melampitta with the lesser melampitta. Formerly classified as a bird-of-paradise, the little-known greater melampitta has an uncertain taxonomy and is sometimes believed to be affiliated to pitohuis, as it appears to be poisonous to eat.

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Distribution

Region

New Guinea

Typical Environment

Found in the forests of New Guinea, particularly in rugged limestone karst and adjacent hill to lower montane forest. It favors dense understory with tangles of vines, roots, and ferns where it can move discreetly along the forest floor and low perches. The species is closely associated with sinkholes, crevices, and cave-like shelters in karst terrain. It avoids open edges and disturbed habitats, keeping to deep shade in mature forest.

Altitude Range

unknown

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size28–32 cm

Wing Spanunknown

Male Weightunknown kg

Female Weightunknown kg

Life Expectancyunknown years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The greater melampitta is a secretive forest bird of New Guinea and the sole species in the genus Megalampitta. It was once grouped with birds-of-paradise and later with the lesser melampitta, and its relationships remain debated. It is reported to be unpleasant or possibly poisonous to eat, echoing the chemically defended pitohuis of New Guinea. Remarkably, it often roosts or nests in limestone sinkholes and cave-like voids within karst forests.

Gallery

Lesser melampitta (Melampitta lugubris)

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and shy

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping close to the ground or low understory. Known to use limestone sinkholes and cavities for roosting and nesting, where it moves adeptly among roots and rocks. Territories are maintained in dense forest, and breeding behavior is poorly documented.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are penetrating whistles and simple phrases that carry through dense forest. Songs are spaced and repeated, with sharp notes interspersed with softer, buzzy calls.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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