Crested Satinbird

The Red Satinbird, also known as the Antenna Satinbird or Crested Cnemophilus, is a striking subspecies of bird with a vibrant display of colors. The males are adorned with bright orange to reddish-orange plumage on their upperparts, tail, and most of the head. Their namesake, a small group of fine, brownish-purple crest plumes, can be raised during displays, adding to their allure. Females, in contrast, are more subdued with an olive brownish hue above and a lighter brown below.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Red Satinbird, look for the vivid reddish-orange plumage and the distinctive crest plumes on the head, which may be raised during courtship displays. Females are less conspicuous but can be recognized by their olive-brown upperparts and lighter brown underparts. Both sexes have weak feet, an extremely wide gape with a pinkish mouth, and a light grayish bill.

Habitat

The Red Satinbird inhabits montane forests and forest edges, as well as subalpine forests. They are typically found at altitudes ranging from 2100 to 3650 meters, with a preference for elevations between 2600 and 3500 meters.

Distribution

This subspecies is endemic to the mountains of southeastern New Guinea, including the Kaijende Highlands and Mt. Giluwe.

Behaviour

Red Satinbirds are often observed alone, in pairs, or occasionally in small groups at fruiting trees. They have been known to feed in association with birds-of-paradise at prime feeding sites. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, but they also consume earthworms and shelled molluscs. The breeding season is from August through January in the Eastern Central highlands, with the female solely responsible for nest building and chick rearing.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Red Satinbird includes harsh rasping calls, bell-like ringing sounds, and various clicking and creaking noises.

Breeding

The breeding season for Red Satinbirds occurs from August to January. Females build dome-shaped, globular nests similar to those of bowerbirds, using twigs, stems, and leaves. The clutch likely consists of a single egg, which hatches after approximately 25-27 days. Chicks are primarily fed fruits and some invertebrates.

Similar Species

While there are no closely similar species within their range, the Red Satinbird was once considered part of the bird-of-paradise family due to its vibrant plumage and display behaviors.

Diet and Feeding

The Red Satinbird's diet is exclusively frugivorous, taking advantage of their wide gape to consume various fruits. They also supplement their diet with earthworms and shelled molluscs.

Conservation status

The Red Satinbird is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.