Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise
NameTwelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise
Common NameTwelve-wired Bird-of-paradise
Scientific NameSeleucidis melanoleucus
FamilyParadisaeidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)205
Plumage DetailsMales have a velvety black head, neck, back, and wings, often with a metallic purplish-green sheen on the head and mantle. The breast, belly, and undertail coverts are a brilliant, glossy yellow. The most distinctive feature is the twelve black, wire-like filaments (six on each side) that extend from the yellow flank plumes. They possess bright red irises and pinkish-red legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include loud, harsh 'wak-wak-wak' notes, often given during display, as well as various whistles and chattering sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the lowlands of New Guinea and its satellite islands, including Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo.
Identifying FeaturesStriking black and bright yellow plumage (males), Twelve long, black, wire-like filaments extending from the yellow flank plumes (males), Bright red eyes and pinkish-red legs, Long, slender, slightly decurved black bill, Distinctive display posture where the male hangs upside down
Description
This medium-sized bird-of-paradise is renowned for the striking contrast between its velvety black upperparts and brilliant yellow lowerparts. Males are distinguished by twelve unique wire-like filaments extending from their yellow flank plumes, which are prominently displayed during courtship rituals.
