The rusty pitohui is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found throughout the lowlands of the Aru Islands and New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea and Aru Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowlands of New Guinea and on the Aru Islands, inhabiting primary and secondary tropical rainforest. It frequents forest edges, riverine forest, and tall secondary growth, and may enter mangrove margins and overgrown plantations. The species forages mostly in the mid-story but also moves into the subcanopy when following fruiting trees. It is generally absent from open country and heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Rusty pitohui is a New Guinea lowland forest bird often traveling in pairs or small groups through the mid-story. Pitohuis are among the few birds associated with chemical defenses; some species in the group carry batrachotoxins, though levels vary by species and population. It readily joins mixed-species feeding flocks, which helps reduce predation risk and improve foraging efficiency.
P. f. leucorhynchus in Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Temperament
alert and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the mid-story. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation, with both parents involved in caring for the young. Territories are defended mainly by song and chase displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, whistled phrases with clear, fluty notes repeated at intervals. Calls include sharp chacks and soft contact notes used while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Mostly uniform rusty to rufous-brown plumage with slightly darker wings and tail; feathers appear smooth and sleek.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, feeding on large insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It also takes small fruits and berries and may consume nectar or small invertebrates when available. Foraging is methodical, with frequent pauses to scan foliage and probe clusters of leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid-story and subcanopy of lowland rainforest, along forest edges, and in tall secondary growth. Will follow mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed foliage where prey is more easily flushed.
