The wattled ploughbill is a small bird from New Guinea. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Eulacestoma and family Eulacestomatidae. It is also known as the wattled shrike-tit or ploughshare tit.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Found across the mountainous spine of New Guinea, inhabiting mossy montane and upper hill forests. It favors dense mid-elevation forest with abundant epiphytes, vine tangles, and moss-laden branches. The species tolerates selectively logged or secondary forest where structure remains intact, and may forage along forest edges and ridgelines. Typically encountered in the midstory, it moves deliberately through foliage and epiphytes while gleaning hidden arthropods.
Altitude Range
1200–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The wattled ploughbill is the sole member of both its genus (Eulacestoma) and family (Eulacestomatidae), making it a uniquely distinct New Guinea lineage. Males sport fleshy pink facial wattles and a striking black breast, while females are duller and lack the bold bib. Its laterally flattened, stout bill is adapted for prying and crushing insect prey in mossy montane forests. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where it forages methodically in the midstory.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Territories are maintained in dense montane forest where they methodically search for prey. Nesting is poorly documented but is presumed to involve a compact cup placed in midstory vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, including thin whistles and sharp ticks. Calls are given intermittently while foraging and can be difficult to localize in dense foliage.
