The yellow-breasted satinbird, formerly known as the yellow-breasted bird-of-paradise and also known as the silken satinbird, is a species of bird in the family Cnemophilidae. It is monotypic within the genus Loboparadisea. It is found in the New Guinea highlands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs across the central highlands of New Guinea in both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua and Highland Papua. It inhabits subtropical to tropical moist forests, including lower montane and adjacent foothill lowland forests. Birds use mid-story to canopy layers and frequent forest edges, ridge crests, and fruiting trees. They tolerate some secondary growth but are most numerous in mature forest.
Altitude Range
300–2300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the silken satinbird, it was once grouped with the birds-of-paradise but is now placed in the family Cnemophilidae. It is the only species in its genus. Males have a satiny sheen to their plumage and rely heavily on fruiting trees, making the species a useful indicator of intact mid-montane forests.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Courtship is modest compared to true birds-of-paradise, with simple postures and calls. The nest is a small cup hidden in dense foliage; the female performs most or all incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles and high, sibilant notes given from within canopy cover. Calls are simple and spaced, often interspersed with short chips at fruiting trees.
