Greater Bird-of-paradise

The Greater Bird-of-paradise is the type species of the genus Paradisaea and one of the most celebrated birds-of-paradise, native to lowland rainforest of southern New Guinea and the Aru Islands. Early trade skins prepared without feet or wings gave rise to the historic belief that the birds never landed, inspiring the species name "apoda," meaning footless.

Males are maroon-brown across the body with a bright yellow crown and nape, an iridescent dark green throat, and a pale bill. Their most famous feature is the extravagant plume of elongated, golden-yellow to white flank feathers that erupt from beneath the wings and are raised in a shimmering cascade during courtship display, accompanied by two long, dark, wire-like central tail feathers. Females are considerably plainer, with maroon-brown body plumage and no ornamental plumes.

Key field marks

• Male: yellow crown/nape, dark iridescent green throat, maroon body, cascading yellow flank plumes
• Two long, thin, dark tail wires trailing behind displaying males
• Female: plain maroon-brown body without plumes or tail wires

Similar species

• Raggiana Bird-of-paradise: very similar but with reddish-orange (not yellow-to-white) flank plumes; ranges do not overlap (Raggiana occurs further east in New Guinea).
• Lesser Bird-of-paradise: smaller overall with shorter, more orange-tinged flank plumes and a different, more northerly/western range.

Habitat

Greater Birds-of-paradise inhabit lowland and hill rainforest, favoring tall forest with emergent trees used as display and roosting sites.

Range

Native to southern New Guinea (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea) and the Aru Islands; it was also introduced to Little Tobago Island in the Caribbean in the early 20th century, though that population is believed to no longer survive.

Migration

The species is non-migratory and sedentary, remaining within forest home ranges year-round.

Behavior

Males gather at traditional display sites, or leks, in the forest canopy, where multiple males compete for female attention through elaborate group displays.

Voice

Calls include loud, far-carrying, repeated "wonk" or "wow" notes given by displaying males, along with harsher chattering calls.

Feeding

The diet consists mainly of fruit, supplemented with arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and branches.

Nesting and breeding

Greater Birds-of-paradise are polygynous lek breeders; males contribute no parental care beyond mating. Females build a cup-shaped nest alone, typically laying one or two eggs, and handle all incubation and chick-rearing without male assistance.