AVITOPIA - Blue-capped Ifrita

The single species of the family of Blue-capped Ifrits is endemic to New Guinea. This species used to be classified in other families, e.g. monarchs. The body size is 16 cm to 17 cm. The blue-black crown is characteristic. They have a cover of feathers on their legs that extends to their feet. Blue-capped Ifritss are also one of the few species whose skin and feathers contain the neurotoxin batrachotoxin. Their habitat is the rainforest at altitudes between 1000 m and 4000 m a.s.l. Their main food is insects. Since they do not fly well, they build their nests at low altitudes. It contains a single egg.