The lowland peltops or clicking shieldbill is a species of bird in the family Artamidae. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea, in both Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea. Favors tall primary forest, riverine forest, edges, and tall secondary growth where it can sally from exposed snags. Regular along forested rivers and treefall gaps, and sometimes around canopy clearings. Typically avoids open farmland and heavily degraded habitats but may use tall regrowth near intact forest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the clicking shieldbill, this species often hunts from exposed high perches along rainforest edges and rivers. Its loud, dry click-click notes carry far through the forest. Though flycatcher-like in behavior, it belongs to the woodswallow–butcherbird family (Artamidae).
Temperament
alert, perch-hunting and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from exposed perches; strong, direct flights between treetops
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs defend feeding territories along forest edges and rivers. Nests are placed high in trees on horizontal limbs; both adults tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are distinctive dry, metallic clicks and rapid series of sharp notes, often given from a high perch. Also utters short chatters and contact calls during foraging.
