Goldenface

The Goldenface, or Pachycare flavogriseum, presents itself as a small, vibrant bird, approximately 13 cm in length and weighing between 14 to 19 grams. Its plumage is a visual delight, with the nominate subspecies sporting a slate-grey back, tail, wings, cap, and nape, contrasted by a bright yellow face, throat, breast, and belly. A distinctive black line borders the face from the crown to the shoulder, and the tertial feathers of the wing are tipped with black and white. The bird's eye and bill are black, while its legs are a delicate pink.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Goldenface, look for the striking yellow and grey contrast in its plumage. The male is predominantly yellow with a slate-grey back and wings, while the female may have a dusky patch on the face. Juveniles resemble the female. The black and white tipping on the tertial feathers is also a key characteristic to note.

Habitat

The Goldenface favors hill and montane forests as its habitat, thriving at elevations between 400 and 1800 meters. It is most commonly found in dense forests at higher altitudes, particularly between 1600 and 1800 meters.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the island of New Guinea, making its home across both Papua and Papua New Guinea.

Behaviour

The Goldenface is an active forager, primarily feeding on insects and spiders which it gleans from the outer foliage of trees, often in the midstory and occasionally venturing into the upper stories of the forest. It is known to sometimes join mixed-species feeding flocks.

Breeding

Breeding information for the Goldenface is somewhat scarce. However, it is believed to be slightly seasonal, with breeding conditions observed in August and October, and eggs and nestlings found from June to November. The nest is a collaborative effort between both parents, featuring a globular shape with a side entrance that points downward.

Similar Species

There are no similar species within its genus, as the Goldenface is monotypic, meaning it is the only species within the genus Pachycare.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Goldenface consists mainly of insects and spiders. It forages by gleaning prey from the outer foliage of trees, usually in the midstory of the forest.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Goldenface as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher risk category.