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Recently split species of birds-of-paradise. The Obi paradise-crow is found on Obi and Bisa islands in the Obi group, south of Halmahera, the home of its congener. They are found in tropical forest and forest edge at 1200 m in altitude on Obi island.
The nominate subspecies of this Lycocorax pyrrhopterus species make calls that consist of a double note sound like ‘hoow hoow’. It doesn’t have a violent background with humans, but since they are birds of prey their nature is unpredictable. Statistics have been unable to assess the actual population of this species and its nominate subspecies.
The paradise crow is monomorphic and does not possess different names for males and females. They are simply called paradise crow male birds and paradise crow female birds. The gateway to the Moluccas, this relatively small island is the regional hub and we will be transiting through the island each time we take a boat or flight to the more exciting, endemic-filled islands. What extra time we have on this island will be spent looking for the islands single endemic, Ambon White-eye. Other possibilities here include a few endemics shared with the surrounding islands, notably Seram Flowerpecker, Seram Fantail, Red Lory and Seram Golden Bulbul.
John Gould Lithograph from ‘The Birds of Europe’
The breeding seasons begin approximately in December and lasts until June, with an average of one egg per clutch. A paradise crow egg is either gray-white or pale rose in color, with inconsistent blotches. A paradise crow nest is cup-shaped and is composed of lichens and bracts, and surrounded by log shavings. The young bird’s diet consists mainly of fruits fed by regurgitation. A lack of data makes it tough to predict more detailed breeding patterns and behaviors of these birds. Leading the way, we were the first bird company to visit this island.
- The subspecies Lycocorax pyrrhopterus morotensis by William Matthew Hart.
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- The upper plumage shines slightly, with a blue-gray shimmer that is most pronounced on the coat, with cinnamon-brown wings.
The will also visit Morotai, a small island to the north of Halmahera. With forthcoming taxonomic arrangements, the island will have four endemics – Morotai Friarbird, Morotai Spangled Drongo, Morotai Paradise-kingfisher and Morotai White-eye. In addition, the island holds a number of endemic subspecies, including Chattering Lory, Halmahera Paradise-crow and Sultan’s/Moluccan Myzomela. One of the few monogamous birds-of-paradise, this paradise-crow is endemic to lowland forests of Northern Maluku in Indonesia. The diet consists mainly of fruits and arthropods.
Indonesia – Highlights of the East: Sulawesi, Moluccas & Papua 2019 – July 2019
The Lycocorax pyrrhopterus bird is also known as the golden crow due to its shimmery feathers and it was first studied by the French ornithologist, Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1850. They are often confused with their subspecies, but one distinct feature which helps in their identification is the white patch on their inner wings which is only visible in flight. This bird is categorized as a Least Concern species and it is common throughout its range. The islands of Kai Kecil and Kai Besar lying far to the southeast of Seram, form the major part of the Kai archipelago. Most of our birding will be on Kai Kecil where most of the endemics can be found in the remaining scraps of forest; Kai Coucal, Kai (White-tailed) Monarch and Kai Kecil White-eye. A side trip to the hillier Kai Besar is required to find Kai Besar White-eye, plus Kai Leaf Warbler which like the Buru and Seram Leaf Warblers still languishes within Island Leaf Warbler despite their very distinctive appearance and songs.
Personal prints, cards and gifts, or reference for artists. Open your image file to the full size using image processing software. The calls of this bird sounds reminiscent of a trumpet-like hwoot hwoot, followed by a click click. The calls of the Obi paradise-crow is one of the most recognizable sounds in its range. The breeding season is approximately December to June, with eggs laid over the same period.
Also on the island is an endemic race of Common Paradise-kingfisher and Seram Fantail . Framed Indonesian batik print by Winotosastro. Beautiful Southeast Asian artwork featuring an exotic bird of paradise with colorful plumage…. Old bird print of the Halmahera paradise-crow also known as the silky crow, or simply as the paradise-crow.
As the sexes are similar, it is likely that the species is monogamous, but breeding behaviour is almost unknown. Halmahera nests are described as a large basin-shaped structure made of roots and moss and lined with soft chips of wood, and the clutch appears to consist of just a single egg. Sexes are similar but the female is slightly smaller than the male. He was ultra-patient making sure everyone was comfortable and that everyone got on the bird.
There is a white patch on the inner parts of the wings and the upper plumage has a dark blue sparkle which is apparent under light. Compared to the head, the bosom and belly areas are lighter. Gray tones can be found on the mantle and rump.
Mingling with other species of birds in their habitat is not common. Young birds live closely with adults until they can fend for themselves. Did you know this bird is monogamous which means it mates with only one partner for the rest of its life? If you want to learn even more fascinating stuff about the paradise crow, read on. As an exciting side trip we were the first bird tour company to visit here for the Critically Endangered Boano Monarch, endemic to the small island of Boano adjacent to Seram which we refound here in 2011, more than 17 years since the last sighting.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our free printable paradise crow coloring pages. The maximum number of years for which this bird lives is approximately eight years. There have been some reports of them living extended lives, but on average the paradise crow has a five-year life expectancy. For the most part, this monogamous bird lives alone, but some can be found in couples.
The biology of this bird has not been studied in full detail. Their diets consist predominantly of fruits, supplemented by the occasional invertebrate. The birds typically feed solitarily, but also in pairs, small groups and even in association with other bird species, like imperial pigeons. Obi paradise-crows are blackish overall, with a bluish-green sheen/iridescence to the feathers. The flight feathers are a light brownish, and the tail feathers have a pronounced bluish sheen to them. They have a crow-like head and bill; the bill is a cool light gray.
A game bird colotype print by Archibald Thorburn, titled ‘Spring’. This is a single picture from a set of four called ‘The Seasons’. Pre-pay for multiple images and download on demand. See our video for a complete overview of the quality process, including digitalisation, retouching, proofing and printing. Please include a link back to this site if you use or repost the images online. It is important to state though, that copyright protection periods differ from country to country.
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