Black-faced Golden Bowerbird
Sericulus aureus (Linnaeus)

These birds are found in west and south New Guinea, east in the north to the upper Mamberamo River, and east in the south to the delta and to the upper Fly River (Gilliard 1969).

Other common names include the Flamed Bowerbird, Golden Bowerbird and the Golden Regent Bowerbird (Coates 1990).

In regards to their use in fly tying, Kelson (1895) writes: "However well hackles may be dyed, with the exception of fiery browns, they never look so well, even when fresh, or are so effective in the water as natural ones. Take, for instance, the hackles of a Golden Bird of Paradise, the best dyed orange hackles in creation would be simply nowhere in competition with it." Kelson later adds: "But by far the best orange hackle, as yet discovered, comes from the neck of the Golden Birds of Paradise (Xanthomelus aureus), a native of New Guinea. This bird is about the size and shape of our missel thrush, and carries hundreds of magnificent hackles around its neck." Then, at the end of his chapter on material, Kelson (1895) concludes: "But the greatest find that has fallen to my lot is the Golden Bird of Paradise. May this luck be your luck,brother Fishermen, as it has been mine! It will only cost you £10!"

Historically, Golden Bird of Paradise feathers were called for as veilings in the Kelson's dressings for Ike Dean and Highland Gem.

If you want to know more about the bowerbirds and other birds related to our fly tying heritage, we suggest you order Rare and Unusual Fly Tying Materials: A Natural History.