About the Splendid Astrapia
The splendid astrapia is a species of bird in the family Paradisaeidae, native to the montane forests of New Guinea. Males are known for their iridescent plumage and elaborate courtship displays, including branch-hopping, tail-flicking, and frog-like calls; they may also display in leks.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The splendid astrapia is a medium-sized bird-of-paradise species, and it is the smallest member of the Astrapia genus, with males averaging approximately 39 cm (15 in), the slightly smaller females coming in at 37 cm (15 in). The male's head to mantle is a shiny iridescent light bluish-green to yellow-green, while the chin throat is more of a metallic turquoise to shiny green, depending on lighting. Beneath the throat is a coppery-red gorget that tappers as it moves up the side of the breast, all the way to the eyes. Voice: Much like most of its family members, the splendid astrapia makes its own unique, though eccentric, vocalizations. A very distinguishable, insect-like "tik to-keet" note is produced by the birds with varying speed, and the "keet" portion sounding akin to a brief whistle; however they also make frog-like croaks, yelps composed of "wroo-wree woo" notes, and simple "teeks" and "toks".
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in July · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Huon AstrapiaAstrapia rothschildiThis little-known astrapia is a medium-sized bird-of-paradise species, excluding the tail.
Arfak AstrapiaAstrapia nigraThe Arfak astrapia is the third largest of its genus, being approximately 76 cm (30 in) long, including the tail.
Princess Stephanie's AstrapiaAstrapia stephaniaeStephanie's astrapia is a most distinctive bird-of-paradise, and extremely unmistakable to recognize.
Learn the Splendid Astrapia for real
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