Pachycephala

Pachycephala is a genus of small to medium-sized birds that are native to the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The name "Pachycephala" means "thick-headed" in Greek, which refers to the distinctive heavy skull and strong beak of these birds.

These birds are often encountered in dense forests, scrublands, and urban gardens, where they forage for insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. They are known for their territorial behavior and will frequently engage in complex calls and songs to maintain their territory boundaries and attract mates.

Pachycephala birds are primarily grey or brown in color, with some species exhibiting bright plumage in certain regions of the body. Their feathers are often mottled and streaked, providing excellent camouflage in their forest habitats. These birds have a distinctive crest or crown on their heads, which is often raised or lowered in response to their mood or status.

Pachycephala birds are generally small to moderate in size, ranging from 8 to 14 centimeters in length, and weigh between 13 to 28 grams. They have a rounded abdomen, a long, notched tail, and strong, short legs that are well-suited for walking and perching.

These birds are monogamous, with pairs forming during the breeding season to raise a single or multiple broods. The female lays two or three eggs at a time, which both parents take turns incubating before the eggs hatch after around 12-15 days. The young birds that hatch are covered in yellow or grey feathers and take about 30 days to develop their full adult feathers and leave the nest.