Ptiloris

Ptiloris
Ptiloris victoriae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Paradisaeidae
Genus: Ptiloris
Swainson, 1825
Type species
Ptiloris paradiseus (paradise riflebird)
Swainson, 1825
Species

See text

The genus Ptiloris consists of four allopatric species of birds in the family Paradisaeidae.[1][2] These birds of paradise are commonly known as riflebirds, so named for the likeness of their black velvety plumage to the uniform of the Rifle Brigade.[3] Alternatively, the bird's cry is similar to a rifle being fired and hitting its target[3] but a call like this is not commonly reported (see Behaviour and Ecology). They are distributed in the rainforests of New Guinea and Eastern Australia.[2][4]

  1. ^ Beehler, B.M.; Swaby, R.J (1991). "Phylogeny and biogeography of the Ptiloris riflebirds (Aves: Paradidaeidae)". Condor. 93 (3): 738–745. doi:10.2307/1368206. JSTOR 1368206.
  2. ^ a b HANZAB (2006). Higgins, P.J.; Peter, J.M.; Cowling, S.J. (eds.). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 7 Boatbills to Starlings. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press.
  3. ^ a b Fraser, I.; Gray, J. (2013). Australian Bird Name - a complete guide. Collingwood, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
  4. ^ Pizzey, G.; Knight, F. (2007). The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia 8th edition. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: Harper Collins.