The mountain peltops is a species of bird in the family Cracticidae. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane and foothill forests of New Guinea, spanning both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea. It favors moist evergreen forest, forest edges, river corridors, and treefall gaps where it can hunt on the wing. The species is most common from foothills into the highlands, occasionally descending to lower elevations where suitable edges exist. It uses perched hunting from exposed snags and canopy tops, returning repeatedly to favored lookouts.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mountain peltops is a New Guinea endemic that often perches conspicuously on exposed branches like a flycatcher, sallying out to snatch flying insects. Its bold black-and-white pattern and prominent white forehead patch make it easy to pick out in the canopy. It frequents forest edges, gaps, and along streams, where aerial insects are abundant.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Holds territories in suitable edge and gap habitats, often returning to favored perches. Nesting is thought to occur high in trees with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear, ringing whistles interspersed with sharp ticking notes. Calls are repeated from prominent perches and carry well across forest edges.
