Cnemophilus macgregorii
The Crested Satinbird, *Cnemophilus macgregorii*, is a truly spectacular passerine, endemic to the montane cloud forests of New Guinea, captivating observers with the male's brilliant plumage. Males boast an incandescent, almost shocking yellow body, sharply contrasted by velvety black wings, tail, and a distinctive, short, erectile black crest above their stout, dark bill. Typically measuring around 24 cm in length and weighing between 49 and 80 grams, their striking coloration is a hallmark...
This species exclusively inhabits moist montane cloud forests, subalpine shrubbery, and mossy forests in the central highlands of New Guinea. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,500 meters above sea level.
The Crested Satinbird is an almost exclusive frugivore, feeding predominantly on a variety of small drupes and berries from numerous plant species. They forage arboreally, meticulously plucking fruits directly from branches or vines.
Crested Satinbirds are primarily diurnal, spending their active hours foraging within the mid-story and canopy of their dense forest habitat. They are largely arboreal, adeptly plucking fruits from branches while perched or in short, agile flights. While generally observed solitarily or in pairs,...
The Crested Satinbird is strictly endemic to the central highlands of the island of New Guinea, encompassing both the Papua New Guinean and Indonesian (West Papua) provinces. Its distribution spans significant mountain ranges, including the Owen Stanley Range, Star Mountains, and the Central Cord...
Least Concern
- The Crested Satinbird was once mistakenly classified as a Bird-of-Paradise, but genetic studies revealed it belongs to its own distinct family, Cnemophilidae. - It is one of only three species in the unique Cnemophilidae family, often referred to as 'satinbirds. - Males display a brilliant, alm...