Splendid Astrapia

Common name

Splendid Astrapia

Scientific name

Astrapia splendidissima

Etymology

Astrapia (Greek, flashing or lightning); splendidissima (Latin, most splendid, brilliant)

Description

Sexually dimorphic. Adult males average 39 cm; adult females 37 cm. Male has iridescent yellowish-green crown, nape and mantle, metallic blue green chin and throat, and metallic coppery red gorget. Adult females brownish-black with a bluish-green gloss over head, nape and throat; remaining plumage drab blackish-brown.

Diet

Mostly fruits, also arthropods, frogs and lizards.

Habitat

Mid and upper montane and subalpine forests, forest edges and secondary growth; 1750-3450 m, mainly 2100-2700m.

Courtship

Presumed to be polygynous. Males display from traditional perches, although unknown if solitarily or in leks.

Breeding

Nest building, juveniles and development noted in March, August, October and November. Females build and attend to nests alone; incubation, nestling and development unknown.

Status and conservation

Not threatened; common and widespread.

Distribution

New Guinea: Weyland Mountains eastward through central ranges to Hindenburg Mountains and Victor Emmanuel Range.