The white-bellied pitohui is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found throughout the lowlands of southern New Guinea (Lorentz River to upper Fly River.
Region
Southern New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland forests of southern New Guinea from the Lorentz River east to the upper Fly River. It inhabits riverine and swamp forests, tall secondary growth, and forest edge, typically staying in dense understory and midstory vegetation. Birds are often found along waterways, oxbow lakes, and seasonally flooded forest. They can tolerate some habitat disturbance provided dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied pitohui is a little-known New Guinea passerine of dense lowland forests, where it often keeps to thickets near rivers and swamps. Some pitohuis possess mild skin and feather toxins, though the degree to which this species is toxic remains uncertain. It occasionally joins mixed-species flocks and gives clear, whistler-like phrases from concealed perches.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs within dense cover. It may join mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nesting is presumed to be cup-shaped and placed low to mid-height in vegetation, with both parents likely participating in care, as in related pitohuis.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, mellow whistles delivered in short phrases from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolding notes when disturbed.
