The Twelve wired Bird

 

From Earth Unreal

Edited by Amal Udawatta,

The Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleucus) is a species of bird that is native to the forests of New Guinea. This bird is known for its unique and striking appearance, which is characterized by its long, wire-like feathers and vibrant plumage.

Male Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise have black bodies with white tail feathers, while their wire-like head plumes and breast plumes are orange. The distinctive wires that extend from their tail feathers give the bird its name. During courtship displays, the male will spread its tail feathers to create a dramatic and eye-catching display, which is meant to attract a mate.

In terms of habitat, the Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise prefers lowland and hill forests, where they can be found at elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000 meters. This species is non-migratory and primarily feeds on fruit and insects.

Despite its stunning appearance, the Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise is considered to be a relatively uncommon species, and its population is thought to be declining due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect this species and its habitat, including efforts to manage and protect forested areas and to promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices in the region.

Text credit: Earth Unreal

Photo credit: Sheau Torng Lim (Flickr portfolio in the comments).