Glossy-mantled Manucode
Manucodia ater
A large, long-tailed bird of lowland, open wooded areas, including mangroves. All black with red eyes and iridescence on the wings, back and tail. Some spotted iridescence on neck and chest. It has quite long-necked appearance. Co-occurs with Jobi and Trumpet Manucodes, but Glossy is larger and longer-tailed. Voice, an unpleasant, high-pitch whistle sounding a bit like microphone distortion. Sings from a high, open perch.
Identification
The glossy-mantled manucode is medium-sized, around 42 cm long, glossed green, blue and purple black with a red iris, black bill, long graduated tail and somewhat elongated upper breast and neck feathers. Both sexes are similar. The female is a slightly smaller than the male. In appearance, the glossy-mantled manucode resembles and is difficult to distinguish from its nearest relatives, the crinkle-collared and jobi manucodes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Manucodia ater
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1830)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Paradisaeidae
- Genus
- Manucodia
Range and habitat
It is widely distributed throughout the lowlands of New Guinea and nearby islands. Widespread and common throughout its large range, the glossy-mantled manucode is evaluated as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES. The glossy-mantled manucode live in lowland rainforest, riverine and monsoon forests, forest edge, swamp-forest and woodlands.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Scarlet Macaw
Ara macao
Spectacular, huge, and long-tailed parrot, wiped out from most areas by capture for the pet trade; attempts at reintroduction are taking place in some protected areas. Found very locally in lowland rainforest and adjacent semiopen areas with big trees; usually in pairs. Unmistakable, bright scarlet red overall with big yellow wing patches and mostly blue wings and rump. Calls are deep, throaty roars that carry long distances.
Splendid Astrapia
Astrapia splendidissima
A long-tailed bird of montane forest. Black back and white base to the upper tail, more extensive in the male. Male has iridescent blue-green underparts, head and bib with rufous breast band and thin, rufous stripe down the side of the neck. Female has a black head and a barred belly. Feeds on fruit and searches for insects on mossy branches and epiphytes. Range of Ribbon-tailed Astrapia may just meet, but Splendid Astrapia female has white in the base of the upper tail. Call, a clicking sound.
White-tailed Eagle
Haliaeetus albicilla
Massive raptor with rather long, heavy bill; broad, plank-like wings; and relatively short, graduated tail. Looks like a flying barn door and soars with wings rather level (not slightly raised like Golden Eagle). Plumage dark overall. Adult has paler brown head and body, white tail, yellowish bill. Immature starts with mostly brown tail streaked white, blackish bill; attains fully white tail in about 4 years. Generally uncommon, mainly found along seacoasts and larger rivers (feeds predominantly on fish).
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.