Kingdom Animalia Order Passeriformes Genus Pachycephala Higher classification Shrikethrush | Phylum Chordata Family Pachycephalidae Scientific name Pachycephala tenebrosa Rank Species | |
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Similar Bird, Tongan whistler, Green‑backed whistler, White‑vented whistler, Yellow‑bellied whistler | ||
The morningbird (Pachycephala tenebrosa) is a songbird species in the family Pachycephalidae.
Contents
Taxonomy and systematics
The morningbird was previously placed in the genus Colluricincla until split from the sooty shrikethrush in 2013. Some authorities have placed the morningbird in the genus Pitohui and it is sometimes placed in its own monotypic genus, Malacolestes. Alternate names for the morningbird include the brown pitohui, morning pitohui, morning whistler, Palau morningbird and Palau pitohui.
Distribution and habitat
The morningbird is endemic to the islands of Babelthuap, Koror, Garakayo, Peleliu and Ngabad in Palau. Its natural habitat is deep primary tropical moist lowland forests. The species is non-migratory. It is apparently commoner on the smaller islands in its range.
Behaviour and ecology
Morningbirds feed principally on insects, but also take snails, berries, fruit and seeds. They feed on or around the ground.