Friday, August 14, 2015

#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

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