Black and white much more contrasted. Melanistic plumage in some adults, similar to rare melanistic morph of Erythrotriorchis buergersi., but with fewer and more obscure tail bars. Present species also has red, as opposed to yellow, eyes. Female larger, more distinctly barred on flight-feathers and UnP. Juvenile mottled brown with streaked UnP.
Not Threatened.
Black and white much more contrasted. Melanistic plumage in some adults, similar to rare melanistic morph of Erythrotriorchis buergersi., but with fewer and more obscure tail bars. Present species also has red, as opposed to yellow, eyes. Female larger, more distinctly barred on flight-feathers and UnP. Juvenile mottled brown with streaked UnP.
48-56 cm, male 530 g, female 1100g
Taxonomy:
- Astur Meyerianus Sharpe, 1878, Ansus, Yapen Island. Possibly forms superspecies with A. gentilis, A. melanoleucus and A. henstii. Geographical variation may exist. Monotypic. (source: Handbook of the Birds of World)
Distribution:
- Halmahera and Seram (Moluccas) through N & E New Guinea to New Britain and Solomon Is (on Kolombangara and Guadalcanal).
Hill and montane rain forest, forest edge and adjacent native gardens. Near sea-level to at least 2700m. Nest in ofrest.
little known, but many of bird species.
Season apparently long, from austral winter to early summer, coppulation observed late May/early Jun. CITES II Biology oorly known.