From Opus

Genus: Melampitta

[edit] Description

Two pitta-like species from New Guinea, both with black plumage and red or brown eyes.

[edit] Taxonomy

Melampitta is a genus in the family Paradisaeidae.¹
The two species of Melampitta are traditionally believed to belong in the Bird-of-Paradise family Paradisaeidae. Some recent research suggests they aren't birds of paradise and might not even be related to each other. Some believe that both are actually logrunners while others believe the Greater Melampitta is actually a Pitohui because it is believed to be poisonous.
The Handbook of the Birds of the World² places them in the family Eupetidae.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist.
2. Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553422

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