Victoria's Riflebird
NameVictoria's Riflebird
Common NameVictoria's Riflebird
Scientific NamePtiloris victoriae
FamilyParadisaeidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)115
Plumage DetailsThe male is predominantly velvety black with an iridescent metallic blue-green crown, throat, and central breast shield. The flanks are olive-green. Females are duller, brownish above with barred underparts.
Vocalization / CallA harsh, raspy 'yaass' or 'shhh-shhh' call, often given during display or as an alarm.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Wet Tropics of northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Identifying FeaturesVelvety black plumage (male), Iridescent blue-green crown, throat, and breast shield (male), Long, decurved black bill with yellow gape, Olive-green flanks (male), Distinctive 'wing-whirring' sound during display
Description
The Victoria's Riflebird is a medium-sized bird-of-paradise, with males displaying striking velvety black plumage accented by iridescent blue-green and purple. It is known for its distinctive courtship display where the male spreads its wings and bobs its head. This species is endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Australia.
