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Overview
Mid-mountain berrypecker

Mid-mountain berrypecker

Wikipedia

The mid-mountain berrypecker or lemon-breasted berrypecker is a species of bird in the family Melanocharitidae. It is found in the New Guinea Highlands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

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Distribution

Region

New Guinea Highlands

Typical Environment

Occurs throughout the central cordillera of New Guinea in both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Favors subtropical and tropical moist montane and foothill forests, including edges, secondary growth, and fruiting tree patches. Most frequently encountered in the mid-storey to canopy, where it moves between trees in short flights. It is locally common where suitable fruit resources are abundant.

Altitude Range

800–2300 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size13–17 cm
Wing Span20–25 cm
Male Weight0.024 kg
Female Weight0.022 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also known as the lemon-breasted berrypecker, this small passerine belongs to the New Guinea berrypeckers and longbills family (Melanocharitidae). It forages quietly in the mid-storey to canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Males show brighter yellow underparts than females, which are duller and more olive. It is generally inconspicuous despite its vivid belly coloration.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

quiet and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between perches

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks at fruiting trees. Breeding pairs are territorial around nesting sites. The nest is a small cup placed on a horizontal fork or sheltered branch.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Thin, high-pitched calls and soft whistles delivered from within foliage. Vocalizations are subtle and can be easily overlooked amid mixed-flock chatter.

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