The satin berrypecker is a species of berrypecker in the family Melanocharitidae that was described in 2021. It is the only bird known to be endemic to the Bird's Neck in Western New Guinea, where it inhabits the Fakfak and Kumawa Mountains, two mountain ranges separated by 80 km of lowland rainforest. It inhabits mid-montane cloud forest with many ferns, mosses, and lichens and seems to prefer relatively open areas with sparser trees and more abundant tree ferns. It is known from elevations of 900 to 1,440 m in the Kumawa Mountains and 1,200 to 1,500 m in the Fakfak Mountains.
Region
Western New Guinea (Bird's Neck)
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to the Fakfak and Kumawa Mountains, two isolated mid-montane ranges separated by lowland rainforest. It inhabits cloud forest with abundant epiphytes, mosses, lichens, and tree ferns. Birds are most often encountered in relatively open, mossy forest, along ridgelines, forest edges, and gaps with plentiful tree ferns. It forages mainly in the midstory to canopy. The species is absent from intervening lowlands and lower montane forest.
Altitude Range
900–1500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Described in 2021, the satin berrypecker is the only bird known to be endemic to the Bird's Neck of Western New Guinea. It occupies mid-montane cloud forests rich in ferns, mosses, and lichens, especially more open, ferny patches and ridgelines. Its very limited range may make it sensitive to habitat change. Like other berrypeckers, it likely plays a role in forest seed dispersal by swallowing small fruits.
Illustration of male satin berrypeckers
The satin berrypecker's satiny-white underparts are its most distinctive feature.
Habitat
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs moving through midstory fruiting trees. It may occasionally join mixed-species flocks in montane forest. Breeding biology remains poorly known, but berrypeckers generally build small cup nests and show biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are not well documented; likely gives thin, high-pitched calls and brief whistles typical of montane berrypeckers. Song, if present, is expected to be soft and simple.
