Manucodia chalybatus
The Crinkle-collared Manucode, *Manucodia chalybatus*, is a captivating member of the Birds-of-paradise family (Paradisaeidae), though it lacks the ostentatious plumes of its more famous relatives. This medium-sized passerine measures approximately 34-36 cm (13.4-14.2 inches) in length and weighs between 180-265 grams (6.3-9.3 ounces). Its most striking feature is its overall glossy black plumage, which shimmers with spectacular iridescent blues, purples, and greens under good light, particul...
This manucode predominantly inhabits lowland and hill primary rainforests, ranging from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1800 meters (5,900 feet), occasionally reaching 2000 meters.
This species is primarily frugivorous, feeding extensively on a variety of fruits, especially figs, supplemented with a small proportion of insects and other arthropods.
The Crinkle-collared Manucode is a largely arboreal and diurnal species, typically observed singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Foraging usually occurs in the forest canopy, where it actively seeks out fruit, its primary food source. Unlike many Birds-of-paradi...
The Crinkle-collared Manucode is endemic to the island of New Guinea and its satellite island, Waigeo. Its distribution spans across both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Within this extensive range, it occupies lowland rainforests ...
Least Concern
- The Crinkle-collared Manucode is one of the few monogamous species within the Birds-of-paradise family, a family largely renowned for its polygynous and highly elaborate male displays. - Its common name directly refers to the unique, scaly texture of the feathers on its nape and upper mantle, a...