Berrypeckers, Longbills

The Melanocharitidae, or berrypeckers and longbills, is a family of small songbirds found in the forests of New Guinea, comprising eleven species across four genera. These birds exhibit a range of body shapes and have generally subdued colors in their plumage. Originally, the taxonomy of this family was unclear, but DNA research established its place near other families like the painted berrypeckers and satinbirds. Berrypeckers tend to be larger than longbills, and two species of female berrypeckers challenge typical sexual dimorphism by being larger and heavier than males. They primarily feed on berries and small fruits, are highly active foragers, and are most often seen alone or in pairs. These birds inhabit different elevations, with the black berrypecker residing in lowland forests and others being montane species. Breeding behaviors are not well documented, but they tend to build cup nests adorned with lichens. Currently, none of the species is considered threatened, though the obscure berrypecker is listed as data deficient due to limited sightings. The pygmy and spectacled longbills are sometimes included in the Toxorhamphus genus, but morphological differences support keeping the genera separate.