Range:

New Guinea, Moluccas, Solomon and Sumba islands

Habitat:

Densely wooded, semi-tropical to tropical rainforests

Characteristics:

Male: general plumage green, slightly tinged with some yellow on head. Under wing-coverts and sides of body are red. Very colorful bird with yellows, blues and reds tipping the tail and wing feathers. Legs are grey. Female: general plumage red, darker and more brownish on back and wings. Purple, blue and orange tip the tail, breast, and wing feathers. Bill is black. Because of the extreme color differences in sexes, for many years the male and female were regarded as seperate species.

 

Behavior:

These birds nest in a hole in the trunk of a tall tree standing near the edge of the forest. They are strong fliers and when traveling far distances, fly high above the forest canopy. They are noisy, conspicuous birds often seen in pairs or in large groups roosting in tall forest trees.

Reproduction:

2-8 eggs are laid. Incubation lasts 17-35 days and is the exclusive task of the female . The male, however, keeps her supplied with food during this important time. Maturity is generally reached between their second and fourth year.