Wilson's Bird-of-paradise
NameWilson's Bird-of-paradise
Common NameWilson's Bird-of-paradise
Scientific NameCicinnurus respublica
FamilyParadisaeidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsMale plumage is highly distinctive: a bare, sky-blue crown with a black cruciform pattern, black head and throat, iridescent emerald green mantle, crimson red lower back, and dark brown belly. They have bright blue legs and feet, and two central tail feathers are long, thin, and curled into a spiral. Females are duller, mostly olive-brown with a bare blue crown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of harsh, scratchy 'wha-wha-wha' or 'kra-kra-kra' notes, often followed by softer whistles or chattering sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsrainforest, lowland forest, hill forest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the islands of Waigeo and Batanta, off the coast of West Papua, Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesBare sky-blue crown with black cross pattern (male), Iridescent emerald green mantle (male), Crimson red lower back (male), Bright blue legs and feet, Two curled central tail feathers (male)
Description
The Wilson's Bird-of-paradise is a small, strikingly colored passerine known for its elaborate male plumage and courtship displays. Males are particularly vibrant, featuring a bare blue crown and iridescent green and red body feathers. They are shy birds, typically found foraging in the understory of dense rainforests.
