Manus friarbird
| Manus friarbird | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Meliphagidae |
| Genus: | Philemon |
| Species: | P. albitorques
|
| Binomial name | |
| Philemon albitorques Sclater, 1877
| |
The Manus friarbird or white-naped friarbird (Philemon albitorques), also known as the chauka (souka in the local language, Lele[2]) is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to the Manus Province[3] of Papua New Guinea.
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Numerous stories and myths about the many abilities and duties of the chouka include alerting people to snakes in trees and informing people about a recent birth in the community.[2].
Its significance to Manus is also reflected in its representation in the Manus provincial flag. Designer of the Manus Province flag Luke Bulei explained his reasons for its design in 1977: chauka is only found in the Manus province; it heralds dawn and signals sunset; it often warns us of dangers; and lastly, it informs us of the success or otherwise of a forthcoming hunting trip. He added that NBC Radio Station had changed its name to Maus Bilong Chauka several years before. [3]
Further reading
- Fitzsimons, James (September 2014). "Notes on the distribution and breeding of the Manus Friarbird 'Philemon albitorques' and other birds of small islands of the Admiralties group, Papua New Guinea". 31 (3). Australian Field Ornithology: 159-163. ISSN 1448-0107.
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References
- ^ Template:IUCN
- ^ a b Boetgger, Juliane (March 2015). Topics in the grammar of Lele: A language of Manus Island, Papua New Guinea (PDF) (PhD). Vol. Appendix V. James Cook University. College of Arts, Society and Education. p. LXXIII.
- ^ a b "Manus (Papua New Guinea)". Flags of the world. 2009.
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