Wilson's Bird-of-paradise
Image: "Steendr. v. P.W.M. Trap = Willem Marinus Trap (1821-1905) (Public domain)
NameWilson's Bird-of-paradise
Common NameWilson's Bird-of-paradise
Scientific NameCicinnurus respublica
FamilyParadisaeidae
Wingspan (cm)27.5
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsMale: Bare sky-blue crown with a black cross pattern, black head and throat, iridescent green mantle, bright yellow nape, crimson back, dark brown wings, and a dark green breast and belly. Two central tail feathers are curled into tight spirals. Female: Olive-brown upperparts, paler underparts with fine barring on the breast and flanks, and a dark bill.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a variety of calls, including harsh 'wrah' notes, soft whistles, and a distinctive 'whee-whee-whee' call.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical lowland forest, hill forest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the islands of Waigeo and Batanta off West Papua, Indonesia.
Identifying Featuresmale's bare blue crown with black cross, male's curled tail feathers, male's vibrant multi-colored plumage (yellow, crimson, green), female's olive-brown plumage with barred underparts
Description
The male Wilson's Bird-of-paradise is a small, strikingly colored bird with a bare blue crown and vibrant plumage, including a yellow nape and crimson back. The female is much duller, primarily olive-brown with barred underparts. These birds are known for their elaborate courtship displays performed in the forest understory.
