Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) by Ian

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psa 148:13 KJV)

The Magnificent Riflebird is a member of the Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise Family. They are a family of birds that really showcase the Lord’s Creative Hand.

The Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) is a medium-sized (up to 34 cm long) passerine bird of the Paradisaeidae family. The male is velvet-black bird of paradise with elongated black filamental flank plumes, an iridescent blue-green crown, a wide, triangle-shaped breast shield, and on central tail feathers. It has a black curved bill, yellow mouth, blackish feet and a dark brown iris. The female is brownish with dark spots and buff bars below.

The Magnificent Riflebird is widely distributed throughout lowland rainforests of New Guinea and far Northeastern Australia. The diet consists mainly of fruits and arthropods.

Males perform solitary courtship displays on a ‘dancing perch’. During these displays, the male fully extends his wings and raises his tail; he hops upward while swinging his head from side to side, showing off his metallic blue-green breast shield. Multiple females will observe these displays. Females subsequently build nests, incubate, brood, and feed young without male assistance. (Wikipedia with editing)

The Lab of Ornithology produced this clip.

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Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. (Psa 150:2 KJV)

P.S. I am off on a birdwatching adventure, but wanted to share this with you. More about our adventure later.

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Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise Family

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Magnificent Riflebird

Magnificent Riflebird – Wikipedia

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