Melanocharitidae

bird family

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Melanocharitidae family, also known as berry-peckers, consists of small to medium-sized songbirds ranging from 9 to 21 cm (3.5 to 8 inches) in length. Their plumage varies from drab olive to striking blue and gray with yellow or black accents. These birds exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different appearances. They resemble small honeyeaters in their behavior, hovering to glean small fruits and invertebrates. Some species possess small, stubby bills, and they build cup-shaped nests in the forks of branches. The Melanocharitidae family comprises about 5 genera and 12 species, all found in New Guinea.1

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passeriform
Annotated classification
Family Melanocharitidae (berry-peckers) Small to medium-sized songbirds, 9–21 cm (3.5–8 inches), of uncertain affinities. Colours vary from drab olive to dramatic blue and gray with yellow, or yellow and black. Sexually dimorphic. Resemble small honeyeaters in general behaviour. Hover-glean small fruits and invertebrates. Some with small,…
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Family Melanocharitidae (berry-peckers) Small to medium-sized songbirds, 9–21 cm (3.5–8 inches), of uncertain affinities. Colours vary from drab olive to dramatic blue and gray with yellow, or yellow and black. Sexually dimorphic. Resemble small honeyeaters in general behaviour. Hover-glean small fruits and invertebrates. Some with small,…
Read More