The Tagula manucode is a species of bird-of-paradise.
Region
Louisiade Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary rainforest, favoring canopy and subcanopy layers. It visits forest edges and clearings when fruiting trees are present and may forage along ridgelines and sheltered valleys. Riverine forest and village-adjacent groves with native fruiting trees can also be used. The species is largely arboreal, moving between patches of fruiting figs, laurels, and other canopy trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tagula manucode is a bird-of-paradise associated with the forests of Tagula (Sudest) Island in Papua New Guinea. Like other manucodes, it is thought to be largely monogamous, with pairs defending territories year-round. Its resonant, ringing calls carry far through the canopy and are often heard before the bird is seen. It spends most of its time high in the forest canopy, moving between fruiting trees.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in pairs, with pairs maintaining all-purpose territories year-round. Courtship is more subdued than in many other birds-of-paradise, with vocal displays and posturing within the canopy. Nests are cup-shaped and placed high in trees; both parents likely participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, ringing, trumpet-like notes that carry over long distances. Calls may be delivered in spaced sequences from exposed perches high in the canopy. Soft chatters and whistles are used at close range between paired birds.
Plumage
Sleek, glossy plumage with metallic iridescence, appearing black at a distance but shifting to blue-green and purple hues in good light. Feathers on the neck can show slight fringing or loose hackles, and the tail is long and graduated. Overall appearance is slender with a long neck and slightly decurved bill.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits and berries, especially figs and other canopy fruits. It supplements its diet with small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and bark when available. Feeding is typically methodical, moving between known fruiting trees within a territory. It may occasionally take nectar or soft new growth.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the canopy and upper subcanopy of mature rainforest. It also uses forest edges and tall fruiting trees in secondary growth and near villages. Fruit-laden ridges and sheltered valleys are frequently visited.
