The Satinbirds or Cnemophilines, Cnemophilidae are a group of passerine birds which consists of three species found in the mountain forests of New Guinea.
They were originally thought to be part of the birds of paradise family Paradisaeidae until genetic research suggested that the birds are not closely related to Birds of Paradise at all and are perhaps closer to Melanocharitidae.
Species
- Genus Cnemophilus
- Velvet Satinbird, Cnemophilus loriae
- Antenna Satinbird, Cnemophilus macgregorii
- Genus Loboparadisea
- Silken Satinbird, Loboparadisea sericea
Description
In each of the three species of satin birds, the male is more brightly colored than the female, which is dull and inconspicuous.
Satinbirds have weak, non-manipulative feet, wide gapes (at one time they were given the name “wide-gaped bird of paradise”), as well as an unossified nasal region.
Breeding / Nesting
All species of satinbirds build domed nests, unlike those of Birds of Paradise.
The female lays a single egg and takes care of it without any assistance from the male.
Diet / Feeding
Satinbirds feed
