Melampittas

The Melampittidae family consists of two unique bird species, the greater melampitta and the lesser melampitta, native to the montane rainforests of New Guinea. Previously a taxonomic puzzle, these birds have been related to various bird families over time but now have their own classification, established in 2014. They are small to medium-sized with black plumage, strong legs, and short wings, adapted for terrestrial life. The greater melampitta is particularly associated with limestone sinkholes, while the lesser melampitta forages on forest floors for insects and small vertebrates. Their breeding behaviors are poorly understood, although some nesting habits of the lesser melampitta have been observed. They are different enough to once question if they should belong to different families, and even now, the greater has been placed into its own genus, Megalampitta. Their vocalizations differ, and their populations appear stable, with neither species considered at risk of extinction, partly thanks to their remote and specialized habitats.