Region

Northern New Guinea

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests of central-northern New Guinea, including Yapen (Jobi) Island and adjacent mainland forests. It favors primary and well-regenerated secondary forest, forest edges, and gallery forest along rivers. The species forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy, often around fruiting trees. It is generally shy and more often detected by voice than seen.

Altitude Range

0–1400 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

secretive but vocal

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between trees

Social Behavior

Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest. Males maintain simple display courts rather than elaborate bowers and engage in vocal duets with females. Nests are bulky cups placed in dense foliage; the female undertakes most incubation.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Rich, cat-like mews and wails interspersed with harsh notes and clear whistles. Pairs often duet, producing antiphonal sequences that carry well through the forest.

Diet

Primarily fruits and berries, including figs and other canopy fruits. Supplements diet with insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, especially when feeding young. May occasionally take small vertebrates or seeds.

Preferred Environment

Forages in the mid-story and canopy of primary and mature secondary rainforest. Frequently visits fruiting trees along edges and river corridors.