Vogelkop Lophorina
NameVogelkop Lophorina
Common NameVogelkop Lophorina
Scientific NameLophorina niedda
FamilyParadisaeidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)26
Weight (g)80
Plumage DetailsMale: Velvety black overall, with a large, erectile cape of black feathers and an iridescent blue-green breast shield. During display, two iridescent blue spots appear above the beak, resembling eyes. Female: Brown upperparts, buffy underparts with dark barring.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, clear 'whistle' or 'shriek' during display, often accompanied by rustling sounds from its specialized feathers.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the montane rainforests of the Vogelkop (Bird's Head) Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesMale's unique 'smiley face' courtship display, Iridescent blue-green breast shield, Velvety black plumage of the male, Female's barred belly
Description
The male Vogelkop Lophorina is renowned for its elaborate courtship display, transforming its velvety black plumage into an elliptical shape with a vibrant iridescent blue-green breast shield and two iridescent blue 'eyes'. The female is much plainer, with brown upperparts and barred underparts. This species is endemic to the montane rainforests of the Vogelkop Peninsula.
