Monte Yellow-Finch

Male is entirely glossy black with a slightly erect crest. Female red on the back and pale whitish buff below, with a bicolored head: pale throat and head black to below the eye. On New Britain, female is dusky gray below and on the throat. Prefers primary forest and undisturbed second growth. Song is a series of loud, piercing whistles. Call is a buzzing nasal churr.

Largest hummingbird in the world, with its size compensating for rather drab plumage; no similar species. Plumage is drab greenish above with a big whitish rump patch and dingy below with variable rusty tones and dusky spotting. Favors rather open and dry habitats from matorral and gardens to Andean scrub; often perches conspicuously atop bushes or on roadside wires. Flight is “slow” with powerful wingbeats, often hovering in jerky manner and chasing insects. Loud sharp calls can draw attention.

The only leafbird within its range with an orange belly. Male is unmistakable with a blue-and-black face pattern, a solid orange belly, and green-and-blue wings. Female is green all over with blue cheeks and less extensive orange on the belly. The female can be confused with female Blue-winged Leafbird, but Orange-bellied has an orange belly and more blue on the face than Blue-winged Leafbird. Often moves about quietly in the upper layers of hilly and montane forests, gleaning insects from branches and foraging at fruiting and flowering trees. Frequently incorporates the songs and calls of other species into its vocalizations.