Halmahera Paradise-crow

The Halmahera paradise-crow, also known as the silky crow, is a medium-sized bird-of-paradise with a body length of up to 42 cm. Its plumage is a dark, soft, and silky texture, primarily a very dark brown that may appear black. The head has a slight glossy black-brown hue, while the upper parts are a lighter shade, with a subtle blue-gray shimmer most pronounced on the coat. The wings are a cinnamon-brown color. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with the female being marginally smaller, and the bird has a black bill and crimson eyes.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Halmahera paradise-crow, look for its dark brown, almost black plumage with a blue-gray shimmer on the coat. The bird's crimson eyes and black bill are also distinctive features. The subspecies Lycocorax pyrrhopterus morotensis has the least or no white patch on the inner flight feathers, which can be a helpful identification marker.

Habitat

This species is endemic to the lowland forests of Northern Maluku in Indonesia. It is a forest dweller that also frequents gardens and forest edges, preferring the taller trees of the forest interior. It is not typically found in swamp forests or mangroves but may sometimes be seen in coconut plantations and orchards.

Distribution

The Halmahera paradise-crow is found on the Northern Maluku islands of Halmahera, Bacan, Kasiruta, Morotai, and Rau. There are two subspecies: Lycocorax pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus, which is found on Halmahera, Kasiruta, and Bacan, and Lycocorax pyrrhopterus morotensis, which is found on Morotai and Rau.

Behaviour

This bird is known to frequent the mid-level to the canopy of the vegetation. It is not commonly seen in open agricultural areas and has a diet that consists mainly of fruits and arthropods. The Halmahera paradise-crow forages mainly from dense canopy and middle foliage.

Song & Calls

The call of the Halmahera paradise-crow is reminiscent of a dog's bark, a unique vocalization among birds.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from December to June, with eggs laid during the same period. The species is likely monogamous, given the similarity in appearance between sexes. Nests are described as large basin-shaped structures made of roots and moss, lined with soft wood chips, and typically contain a single egg.

Similar Species

The Halmahera paradise-crow was once thought to be a crow due to its appearance but is now recognized as the earliest known offshoot from the birds-of-paradise family. It does not have any very similar species within its range, but its crow-like appearance may initially confuse observers.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Halmahera paradise-crow is primarily composed of fruit, supplemented by arthropods. It forages in the dense canopy and middle foliage of its forest habitat.

Conservation Status

The Halmahera paradise-crow is evaluated as being of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES, indicating that while it is not currently threatened with extinction, it must be monitored to ensure its populations remain stable.