Wilson’s Bird of Paradise

Wilson’s Bird of Paradise

Flying Animal | Wilson’s Bird of Paradise | The Wilson's Bird-of-paradise, Cicinnurus respublica, is a small, up to 21 cm long, passerine bird of the Paradisaeidae family. The male is a red and black bird-of-paradise with a yellow mantle on its neck, light green mouth, rich blue feet and two curved violet tail feathers. The head is naked blue with black double cross pattern on it. The female is a brownish bird with bare blue crown. In the field the blue bare skin on the crown of the bird's head is so vivid that it is clearly visible by night, the deep scarlet back and velvet green breast are lush, and the curlicue tail gleams bright silver.

Cicinnurus respublica is endemic to the Papuan islands of Waigeo and Batanta off north-west Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Indonesia, where it reported to be frequent in suitable habitat.

Wilson’s Bird of Paradise

Trend justification Declines are likely to have occurred as a result of forest loss and degradation, although these may not be severe as this species apparently persists in selectively logged forest. Hunting for skins may also contribute to declines.

Wilson’s Bird of Paradise

Ecology  This species occurs in hill forest, generally above 300 m, although it is often heard even at low altitude

Wilson’s Bird of Paradise

Wilson’s Bird of Paradise