Wilson’s bird of paradise (Cicinnurus respublica) is a species of passerine bird in the Paradisaeidae family. Most of the species included in the bird of paradise species are found in eastern Indonesia, Papua, Papua New Guinea and eastern Australia.
The bird of paradise family has 42 species in 15 genera and most of them live in dense areas of rainforest, so many are endangered or eudated to some extent. Wilson’s bird-of-paradise is not eudated, but is on the list of mentioned species due to habitat changes.
When it comes to all the birds in the Paradisaeidae family, they are known for the males (of which there are more) that have vibrant and colorful plumage (the look and colors of their feathers, to put it in simple terms). Wilson’s bird of paradise is no exception to this, with a predominantly black set of feathers trimmed with bright red, a large patch of vibrant yellow on its neck, the green on its throat is practically emerald, beautiful blue feet, and violet tail feathers. beautifully curved.
Not only that, as far as incredibly colorful plumage goes, but Wilson’s bird of paradise also has a nude fluorescent blue crowning its head, with a black double cross pattern over it. It is truly a sight to behold.
Wilson’s bird of paradise is native to Indonesia. You can find this beautiful bird throughout the hilly and low-lying jungle regions of Waigeo and Batanta Islands in western Papua.
As you can see, female Wilson’s birds of paradise do not have such extravagant plumage. They have a brownish coloration with a darker blue crown than the males of their species.
According to Wikipedia, a “2009 study that examined the mitochondrial DNA of all species to examine relationships within the Paradisaeidae family and its closest relatives estimated that the family emerged 24 million years ago.”
According to the bird fan blog Just Birding:
“Do not feel sorry for the drab female because it is this sexual dimorphism that gives her the power to judge the appearance of the male and choose whether he will be a suitable father for her offspring, genetically speaking.”
Like many birds of paradise, Wilson likes to feed on fruits and insects, which is why it prefers to live in mountainous areas of the rainforest.
On average, these beautiful birds are about 6.3 inches (16 cm) long, but males can easily reach a length of 8.25 inches (21 cm) when the iconic flower-shaped tail feathers are included.
Surprisingly, not much is known about Wilson’s birds of paradise when it comes to their breeding and mating habits…with a few exceptions. Most notable: the male’s intricate dance routine.
Fluffing his plumage for the exotic dance routine, the male becomes a “bright green disk” and his mouth opens with fluorescent vitality. It becomes, quite subtly, a beacon of color.
In life, Wilson’s birds of paradise live about 5 to 8 years, but in captivity they can live up to 30 years.
There are many other things that researchers and bird enthusiasts simply don’t know about Wilson’s birds of paradise and their behavior.
JustBirding says several males have been seen in a shared area without aggravation, so they may not be territorial, but it’s hard to say whether they are gracious or not. “Of the entire bird-of-paradise family, Wilson’s species remains the best known,” adds JustBirding.
The male Wilson’s bird of paradise is polygamous, so this species does not mate for life. In reality, males will mate with several females at a time.
Later, the females build and care for nests for the eggs. So the pairs get to work, the females build their nests, and the males simply look for the next female to occupy themselves. What a bird!
The first time their mating dance was caught on camera was in 1996, thanks to world-famous British naturalist David Attenborough.
Wilson’s bird of paradise is truly an extraordinary creature and exemplary proof of nature’s strength in diversity. We may not know everything there is to know about this beautiful bird, but knowing that there are still mysteries in nature to unravel and questions to answer will only serve to prompt future generations to seek such answers and we can’t wait to see what comes. next.
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