Bicolored Flowerpecker

A rotund, short-legged ground-dwelling dove that usually runs rather than flies when startled. Both sexes have a brown body with bluish-gray chest and head. Males have an iridescent pink shoulder patch. Most obvious identification feature in the field is the glowing white eye-ring of the male, especially in more eastern populations such as those in the Solomon Islands. On mainland New Guinea, the species is a resident of upper-elevation montane forest. No other similar species occur in its altitudinal range. Gives a typical dove-like “woo-oop” call which is quiet and easily missed.

A long-tailed bird of upper montane forest. The male has an iridescent green head and bib with a black chest band bordered with a thin gold stripe. Note the outlandishly long, white tail streamers. Female is blackish with barring on the belly and some iridescence on the head. Mainly eats fruit. Similar to Stephanie’s Astrapia, but Ribbon-tailed usually occurs at higher elevations. The female Ribbon-tailed has iridescence on the head and the male’s tail is white rather than black. Voice, excited, pulsing rasps.

Very large wren that tends to be common throughout its wide range. Overall brownish plumage is geographically variable - northern populations have dense dark brown spots on paler underparts, while southern populations are more uniformly medium-brown above and below, with a few spots on the lower belly and vent. Mostly found in the canopy of humid forests, including disturbed areas; southern populations also occur in tangles and edges of semi-humid woodland. Distinctive song of loud, mellow, chortling notes is a regular sound anywhere this species occurs.