Raggiana Bird-of-paradise

The Raggiana Bird-of-paradise is a medium-sized member of the bird-of-paradise family (Paradisaeidae) and is the national bird of Papua New Guinea, appearing on the country's flag and coat of arms.

Males are strikingly plumed: a maroon-brown body, an iridescent green throat patch, a yellow crown and nape, and long, flowing flank plumes in shades of orange to deep red that erupt from beneath the wings. Females and juveniles are far plainer, with brownish plumage and no ornamental plumes, typical of the sexual dimorphism seen throughout the family.

Key field marks

• Adult male: yellow crown, dark green iris-ringed face, emerald throat shield, and cascading orange-red flank plumes
• Female/immature: uniform rich brown body with no elongated plumes, paler yellowish throat
• Loud, far-carrying calls often given from display perches high in the canopy

Similar species

• Greater Bird-of-paradise and Lesser Bird-of-paradise have very similar plume displays but differ in plume color (more golden-yellow) and range (they occur on different islands, with limited overlap)
• Count Raggi's plumes are typically a deeper orange-red compared to the golden tones of related species

Habitat

Inhabits lowland, hill, and mid-montane rainforest, forest edges, and disturbed or secondary forest, generally below 1,800 m elevation.

Range

Endemic to New Guinea, found across much of eastern and southeastern Papua New Guinea.

Migration

Non-migratory; individuals remain within a home range year-round, with males defending traditional display sites (leks).

Behavior

Males gather at communal display trees (leks) where they perform elaborate courtship displays, raising and vibrating their flank plumes into a shimmering fan while calling and bouncing along branches.

Voice

Loud, harsh, far-carrying calls, including a repeated "wak-wak-wak" advertising call given by displaying males.

Feeding

Primarily frugivorous, favoring figs and other soft fruits, supplemented with insects and small animals; plays an important role in rainforest seed dispersal.

Nesting and breeding

Polygynous mating system; females alone build a bulky cup nest in a tree fork and raise a single egg without any help from the male.