Ribbon-tailed Astrapia
NameRibbon-tailed Astrapia
Common NameRibbon-tailed Astrapia
Scientific NameAstrapia mayeri
FamilyParadisaeidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)80
Weight (g)170
Plumage DetailsMales have a velvety black body, an iridescent teal-green crown and nape, a metallic coppery-red collar, and a dark olive-green throat. The most striking feature is the two extremely long, white, ribbon-like central tail feathers, which can be up to three times the length of the body. Females are duller, mostly dark brown with barred underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, raspy 'wha-wha-wha' or 'skraa-skraa' notes, often interspersed with softer, whistling sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the central highlands of Papua New Guinea, primarily found in the montane cloud forests.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, white, ribbon-like central tail feathers (males), Iridescent teal-green head and coppery-red collar (males), Velvety black body plumage (males), Found in high-altitude montane forests of New Guinea
Description
This striking bird-of-paradise is renowned for the male's two extraordinarily long, white tail streamers. Males display iridescent teal-green and coppery-red on their heads, contrasting with a velvety black body. They inhabit the montane cloud forests of Papua New Guinea.
