male; glossy greenish-black crown and breast (Australia; 2006-06-20)


Victoria's Riflebird
Ptiloris victoriae

Native Range: Australian Region

Notes: most bird-of-paradise species occur in Papua New Guinea, but this species occurs in Queensland Australia as well; members of this family are renowned for their brilliant male plumages, often with striking colors and elaborate or elongated feathers extending from the head, beak, or wings; the males of many bird-of-paradise species (this one included) also put on fancy displays when courting females.

long slightly decurved bill; red iris (Australia; 2006-06-20)
showing off his glossy green colors (Australia; 2006-06-20)

commegreyer on the bellu nt (Australia; 2006-06-20)
male in courtship display; note the yellow mouth (Australia; 2006-06-20)

female; creamy underparts specked with dots (Australia; 2006-06-20)
dorsal view of female; olive-brown above; eye-line (Australia; 2006-06-20)