Ploughbill

The wattled ploughbill (Eulacestoma nigropectus), also known as the wattled shrike-tit or ploughshare tit, is a unique small olive-brown songbird found exclusively in the central mountain ranges of New Guinea. It stands out with its strong, thick, wedge-shaped black bill and displays sexual dimorphism; males feature black underparts, a golden forehead, black wings with golden scapulars, and distinctive pink wattles on their cheeks, while females have olive green plumage. Typically measuring 12.5 to 14 cm and weighing 19–22 g, these birds feed mainly on insects, foraging from the forest floor to mid-level canopies, often in bamboo groves and sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Initially thought to be related to whistlers or shriketits due to similarities in bill size, genetic studies have indicated closer kinship with sittellas. As a result, the wattled ploughbill is recognized as the sole species in its own unique genus and family (Eulacestomatidae). Despite earlier suggestions, it is considered a monotypic species without any subspecies. It is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is widespread and not at immediate risk of decline.