Distribution and Status of the Paradise Crow Lycocorax pyrrhopterus and Standardwing Bird of Paradise Semioptera wallacii, with Notes on Biology and Nidification

Summary

Of the two birds of paradise endemic to the Moluccas, Indonesia, the Paradise Crow Lycocorax pyrrhopterus was found to be the sixth and the Standardwing Semioptera wallacii the fifth most frequently recorded passerine during BirdLife International avifaunal surveys on Halmahera Island. Both were found in both primary and logged rain forest at an average density of c. 0.4 birds per ha. The Paradise Crow is tolerant of mangroves, swamp, and montane areas and human disturbance to forest habitat while the Standardwing is less so. Both species are presently widespread and common on Halmahera and cannot be considered immediately endangered there, but populations on smaller Moluccan islands require study and regular monitoring.