The piping bellbird, or crested pitohui, is a species of bird in the family Oreoicidae. It was previously placed in the family Pachycephalidae.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland and hill rainforests of New Guinea, in both primary and well-developed secondary growth. It favors dense understory and mid-story layers, forest edges, and streamside thickets. The species is generally local but can be fairly common where habitat remains intact. It often forages quietly in shadowed interior forest, making it more often heard than seen.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the crested pitohui, the piping bellbird is one of the Australo-Papuan bellbirds in the family Oreoicidae and was formerly placed with the whistlers (Pachycephalidae). It is a shy New Guinea forest bird noted for its clear, bell-like piping calls that carry through the understory. It keeps to dense foliage, often joining mixed-species flocks, and can be overlooked despite being locally common.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory; brief hops and glides between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nesting is presumed to involve a cup nest placed low to mid-level in dense foliage. Both adults likely participate in care of the young, as typical of many forest passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, bell-like piping notes delivered in measured sequences, carrying well through forest. Calls can include sharp contact notes and mellow whistles, often repeated from a concealed perch.
Plumage
Mostly earthy brown to olive-brown above with paler, buffy underparts and a small erectile crest on the crown. Wings and tail are slightly darker with subtle edging; throat and breast can show a warmer buff wash. Overall appearance is plain but with soft, smooth feathering suited to dense forest life.
Diet
Takes a variety of arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. Also consumes small fruits and berries when available, making its diet seasonally flexible. Foraging is methodical, with short sallies or hops to probe clusters of foliage and bark crevices.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory and mid-story of humid lowland and hill rainforest, including forest edges and overgrown secondary growth. Often forages along shaded trails, gullies, and stream margins where insect prey is concentrated.
