#731: Sugar Glider

The Sugar Glider is a small gliding possum, native to Australia and New Guinea. Omivorous in diet, the Sugar Glider feeds on sap, honeydew and gum in winter, and insects in summer. Pollen is an important part of her diet and she acts as a pollinator for various Banksia species. Her most characteristic feature is her patagium, which extends from her forelimbs to her hindlimbs. When spread, this creates an aerofoil that allows her to glide from tree to tree. She rarely, if ever, touches the ground. Highly social, the males aid in the care of the youngsters. Juvenile Sugar Gliders are unable to thermoregulate until they are 100 days old, and the parents take turns in keeping them warm.

Sugar Gliders have found their way into the exotic pet market. With their endearing features and interesting behaviour they are attractive to those seeking something a bit different. However, they are also nocturnal, have a fairly specialist diet, are social creatures and will pine if kept alone, and they cannot be house-trained. Currently wild-caught animals are being poached and smuggled into the pet trade, which may have an impact on the wild populations in the future.

#654: Riflebird

The Riflebirds are three birds of paradise, found in Papua New Guinea and the eastern mountains of Australia. His name comes from his colouration, reminiscient of the Rifle Brigade's uniforms. He follows a largely insectivorous diet. Like all birds of paradise, males are polygynous. He courts the females with an elaborate dance, first calling for her, then raising his wings into a semi-circle and puffing out his chest feathers, before ending with a wing-clapping display.This performance is also used to defend his site. After mating, the female builds her nest and raises the offspring alone. 

This is a Victoria Riflebird, from the Atherton Tableland. You can watch him perform here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkNCslAgNSw

Creature Feature #593: Pitohui

The Pitohui are six species of Passerine, endemic to New Guinea. Several of the species - the Variable and this Hooded - are noted for being toxic. This is probably acquired from their omnivorous diet, which includes Choresine beetles, the same beetles that give their toxicity to the Poison Dart Frog. This acts to keep the bird free of parasites and may also, somewhat, deter predatation.

Creature Feature #564: Palm Cockatoo

The Palm Cockatoo is a very large member of the Cockatoo Family. He uses his extremely long and powerful bill to crack open nuts and seeds. His red cheek patch changes colour when he becomes excited or alarmed. One particularly unusual trait is the tendency for the male bird to break off a sturdy branch, which he then drums against the trunks of trees, creating a sound that can be heard up to 100m away. The purpose of this is unknown but is considered to be either a territorial display or a manner of accessing the durability of nesting hollows.