You don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to appreciate the wonder of birds. They are renowned for their unique features and stunning looks. It’s evident that nature has bestowed birds with remarkable beauty, captivating us whenever we encounter these magnificent creatures. Today, we introduce you to Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, a breathtaking bird that will leave you in awe with its mesmerizing appearance.
Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, scientifically known as Cicinnurus respublica, is a type of songbird that belongs to the Paradisaeidae family.
Image source: Serhanoksay / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Bird of Paradise family consists of 42 different species, categorized into 15 genera. Most of these birds inhabit dense rainforest areas. While many species in this family face the risk of extinction or are endangered, Wilson’s bird of paradise is not currently endangered. However, it is listed as a threatened species and considered at risk due to the loss of its natural habitat.
Image source: priaprameshwara
Similar to other birds of paradise, Wilson’s bird of paradise primarily feeds on fruits and insects, which is why they are commonly found in hilly rainforest areas. These stunning birds are native to Indonesia, specifically the hill and lowland rainforest regions of Waigeo and Batanta Islands, located off the coast of West Papua. Bird enthusiasts have a good chance of spotting these beautiful flying creatures in these areas.
Image source: priaprameshwara
When discussing the birds in the Paradisaeidae family, it is common to highlight the striking appearance of the male birds. They are known for their vibrant and colorful plumage, which is especially remarkable in the case of male Wilson’s birds. These magnificent creatures have predominantly black feathers with eye-catching accents of bright red, a large patch of vibrant yellow on their necks, emerald-like green on their throats, stunning blue feet, and elegantly curved violet tail feathers.
Apart from their stunning and colorful feathers, Wilson’s bird of paradise also boasts a unique feature—a bright, fluorescent blue patch on its head. This naked blue patch is adorned with a distinctive black double cross design. Imagining the sight of these birds in person is truly awe-inspiring.
Image source: Flickr
On the other hand, female Wilson’s birds have a more subdued appearance compared to males. Their feathers are predominantly brownish, with a slightly darker blue crown than their male counterparts. Referring to the appearance of female Wilson birds, the popular bird blog Just Birding once commented: “Don’t feel bad for the drab female because it is this sexual dimorphism that gives her the power to judge the male’s appearance and choose whether he will make a proper father for her offspring, genetically speaking.”
On average, these stunning birds measure around 6.3 inches (16 cm) in length, but males can grow up to 8.25 inches (21 cm) when accounting for their curly tail feathers. In their natural habitat, Wilson’s bird of paradise has a lifespan of 5-8 years, but it can live up to 30 years in captivity.
Image source: IndoGlobal Adventure
Image source: IndoGlobal Adventure
One of the well-known characteristics of these birds is their mating behavior. The male Wilson’s Bird of Paradise practices polygamy, which means they do not have a lifelong partner. A male bird can have multiple female partners at the same time. After the eggs are hatched, females take on the responsibility of building and caring for the nests and their offspring. In contrast, males leave the nest and continue to seek new mates. It may seem disloyal, but this is how they behave in nature!
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