They are from six to six and a half inches
long, the upper one slightly exceeding the lower. The total
length of the bird is eleven inches. The bill is horny olive, the
iris deep olive, and the feet bright orange.
The female bird is remarkably plain, being entirely of a dull
pale earthy brown, with only a slight tinge of ashy violet on the
head to relieve its general monotony; and the young males exactly
resemble her. (See figures at p. 41.)
This bird, frequents the lower trees of the forests, and, like
most Paradise Birds, is in constant motion - flying from branch to
branch, clinging to the twigs and even to the smooth and vertical
trunks almost as easily as a woodpecker. It continually utters a
harsh, creaking note, somewhat intermediate between that of
Paradisea apoda, and the more musical cry of Cicinnurus regius.
The males at short intervals open and flutter their wings, erect
the long shoulder feathers, and spread out the elegant green
breast shields.
The Standard Wing is found in Gilolo as well as in Batchian, and
all the specimens from the former island have the green breast
shield rather longer, the crown of the head darker violet, and
the lower parts of the body rather more strongly scaled with
green.
