The thick-billed berrypecker is a species of bird in the berrypecker and longbill family Melanocharitidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. The spotted berrypecker was formerly considered conspecific, but it was split as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the montane forests of New Guinea, on both the Indonesian (Papua) and Papua New Guinean sides of the Central Range. It favors mid- to upper-montane mossy forest, forest edges, and fruit-rich secondary growth. Birds typically keep to the midstory and canopy, visiting fruiting shrubs and small trees. It is local but can be fairly common where suitable fruiting resources are present. Often detected by quiet calls and movement within mixed-species flocks.
Altitude Range
1000–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the New Guinea-endemic family Melanocharitidae, the thick-billed berrypecker uses its stout bill to pluck and crush small fruits. It frequents fruiting trees in montane forests and often joins mixed-species flocks. The Spotted Berrypecker was split from it as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021. Its plain, unspotted underparts help separate it from that look-alike.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, and frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Likely monogamous, nesting discreetly in dense foliage typical of montane passerines. Territoriality is modest, focused around rich fruiting patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and thin, with high tsee or seep notes given intermittently from cover. Calls can quicken into short, subdued series when birds are actively foraging. Song is understated and easily overlooked in the forest soundscape.
