Painted Berrypeckers

Painted berrypeckers, comprising three species of vibrant medium-sized birds, are unique to the mountain forests of New Guinea. The family itself is small and considered part of the berrypecker and longbill clade, with species ranging in size from the smaller tit berrypecker at 12-14 cm long and weighing 17-21 g, to the larger crested berrypecker measuring 19-22 cm and 36-61 g. Notably, crested berrypeckers at higher altitudes tend to be bigger, illustrating Rapoport's rule. These birds exhibit vivid green and blue-grey plumage, with the tit berrypecker showing sexual dimorphism. The males flaunt bright yellow patches, whereas the female's coloration is more subdued. Crested berrypeckers present an impressive erectile crest and bear similarities between genders, with the visual difference occurring between two subspecies instead. Endemic to New Guinea, painted berrypeckers inhabit arboreal, mossy montane forests, extending into alpine regions at higher altitudes. They are generally non-migratory, possibly displaying some nomadic tendencies in the tit berrypecker. As active, diurnal birds, they commonly engage in pairs or small groups, integrating with other species during feeding activities. Painted berrypeckers have a frugivorous diet, mainly feasting on fruits and berries, with occasional insect consumption, especially in nestlings. Breeding habits, while elusive, suggest monogamy and seasonality, with nest construction notably involving moss. The female crested berrypecker solely incubates the eggs across a period exceeding 12 days. Post-hatching, both parents participate in feeding the young and maintaining the nest. Interactions with humans are minimal, with hunting for food occurring sporadically; their vibrant feathers, however, are not as sought after as those of the birds of paradise. While they hold significance for birdwatchers, contributing to ecotourism, their cultural impact among New Guinean tribes is undocumented. Painted berrypeckers do not face immediate conservation concerns, being fairly widespread within their habitat, much of which remains intact despite some agricultural deforestation.