Schwarzdickkopf
| Schwarzdickkopf | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Melanorectes | ||||||||||||
| Sharpe , 1877 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Melanorectes nigrescens | ||||||||||||
| ( Schlegel , 1871) |
The black thick head ( Melanorectes nigrescens ), formerly known as Mohrenpitohui , is a species of bird from the family of the thick heads (Pachycephalidae). It occurs in six subspecies in New Guinea . The black thick head can sequester poison from beetles of the genus Choresine in its feathers .
features
The black thick head reaches a size of 23 centimeters. The weight is 73 to 86 grams. The male of the nominate form has a completely slate-black body. The parting and the sides of the head are a little darker. The slate color is more intense on the flanks. The umbrella feathers and the tail feathers are black-brown. the iris is dark brown or gray-brown. The beak and legs are black. In females of the nominate form, the vertex is slate-brown. The forehead and reins are a little grayer.
Subspecies and their distribution
- M. n. Nigrescens ( Schlegel , 1871 ). Distribution: Vogelkop Peninsula ( Tamrau Mountains , Arfak Mountains ) in north-western New Guinea
- M. n. Schistaceus ( Reichenow, 1900 ). Distribution: southeastern New Guinea east of the Herzog Mountains.
- M. n. Harterti ( Reichenow , 1911 ). Distribution: Huon Peninsula (Saruwaged Mountains) in northeast New Guinea. Named after Ernst Hartert .
- M. n. Meeki ( Rothschild & Hartert, 1913 ). Distribution: Mountains in western New Guinea (Weyland Ranges, Nassau Ranges and Oranje Ranges). Named after Albert Stewart Meek .
- M. n. Buergersi ( Stresemann , 1922 ). Distribution: Eastern Central New Guinea (Sepik Mountains and Hindenburg Mountains to Mount Hagen)
- M. n. Wandamensis ( Hartert , 1930 ). Distribution: Wandammen Peninsula in western New Guinea
habitat
The Schwarzdickkopf lives in forests in middle mountain regions, mainly at altitudes between 1600 and 2000 m.
Way of life
The black thick head is a bird that is faithful to its location. The diet consists of insects, fruits and occasionally seeds. It searches for food between the ground and the lower layers of trees. Information on reproductive behavior is based on a few observations. The bowl-shaped nest is built high in a tree made of fern fronds and fine roots. The one or two eggs are maroon or deep pink and have light and dark brown and gray spots.
Existence and endangerment
Information on the size of the population is not available. The Mohrenpitohui is described as not often. BirdLife International classifies it as “not at risk” (least concern).
literature
- J. Del Hoyo, A. Elliot, D. Christie (Eds.): Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees . Lynx Edicions, 2007, ISBN 978-84-96553-42-2 .
Web link
- Melanorectes nigrescens on the Red List of Threatened Species of IUCN 2071.1. Listed by: BirdLife International, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2017.