Standardwing

Overview

The standardwing bird-of-paradise (Semioptera wallacii), also known as Wallace's standardwing, is a medium-sized bird endemic to Northern Maluku in eastern Indonesia. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Semioptera and is currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird approximately 28 cm long with an overall olive-brown colouration.
• Males possess a gloss violet-and-lilac crown and an emerald-green breast shield.
• Most striking feature includes two pairs of long white plumes extending from the bend of the wing that can be raised or lowered at will.
• Females are smaller than males and unadorned in plumage but possess a longer tail.

Habitat

The species is endemic to Northern Maluku in eastern Indonesia, specifically found on the islands of Halmahera and Bacan. It inhabits lowland tropical rainforests and hills, and is occasionally observed in woodland areas.

Diet

The diet of the standardwing consists mainly of insects, arthropods and fruits.

Did you know?

The bird was first introduced to Europe by Ferdinand Magellan's crew, who received dead specimens as gifts from the ruler of Bacan to present to the King of Spain during a stop at Tidore in 1521.