The crested satinbird, formerly known as the crested bird-of-paradise, is a species of bird in the satinbird family Cnemophilidae. It is found in the mountains of Papua New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in mossy montane and cloud forests, favoring ridgelines, forest edges, and fruiting trees within mature high-elevation forest. It also uses subalpine scrub, tree-fern thickets, and secondary growth near intact forest. The species is generally localized but can be fairly common where fruit resources are abundant. It keeps to mid-story and canopy layers and is most active around fruiting shrubs and small trees.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The crested satinbird, once grouped with birds-of-paradise, is now placed in its own family, Cnemophilidae. Males show a striking erectile golden crest used in display, while females are cryptically patterned for camouflage. It inhabits remote montane forests and is seldom seen, often betrayed only by its soft, whistled calls.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose association around fruiting trees. Males perform simple perch displays highlighting the crest rather than elaborate leks. Nesting is undertaken by the female, which builds a small cup nest, usually producing a single egg.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft whistles and thin, mewing notes delivered from concealed perches. Calls are spaced and subdued, carrying short distances through dense mossy forest.
Plumage
Male with satiny, bright golden-orange body contrasting with darker wings and an erectile, bushy crest; female is olive-brown with fine mottling and barring, lacking the prominent crest.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, plucking them directly from branches or sallying short distances to snatch them. It occasionally supplements its diet with small insects and other arthropods, especially when feeding young. Foraging is deliberate, moving methodically between fruiting shrubs and mid-story trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-canopy and subcanopy of mossy montane forest, often along edges and ridgelines. It also visits secondary growth when fruiting plants are abundant, but remains close to intact forest.
