Flame Bowerbird

Drawing of the gold leaf bird

The gold Bowerbird ( Sericulus aureus) is a colorful species of the family of bowerbirds ( Ptilonorhynchidae ).

Description

The gold leaf bird is about 25 inches tall. The males have a fiery red and golden-yellow plumage. The neck feathers are elongated. The facial area, neck and parts of the tail are black. The female is olive-brown on the upper side ventral to yellow.

Distribution and habitat

The gold leaf bird is endemic to New Guinea where he inhabits the rainforests.

Subspecies

There are two subspecies:

• S. a ardens differs by an orange face plumage. Occurs in south-western New Guinea.
• S. aureus a, the nominate form.

Endangering

The gold leaf bird is " not threatened " on the Red List of IUCN.