Blue Bird-of-paradise
Paradisornis rudolphi
The Blue Bird-of-paradise is known for the male's dramatic upside-down display, during which fanned iridescent blue flank plumes are shown off against otherwise black plumage. It lives in the montane forests of Papua New Guinea's central highlands.
- Feather type
- Elongated ornamental flank plumes, wire-like tail feathers
- Colours
- Black body with vivid iridescent blue flank plumes
- Bird size
- Crow-sized body, ~30 cm plus plumes
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Overview
Overview
The Blue Bird-of-paradise is a highland species notable for its striking blue flank plumage and an unusual inverted display posture used during courtship. Its otherwise dark body plumage makes the blue plumes stand out even more dramatically when fanned.
- Restricted to montane forest of the central New Guinea highlands
- Known for an inverted, upside-down courtship display
- Blue flank plumage is rare among birds-of-paradise, most of which favor yellow, red, or green tones
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
Adult males are mostly black with a violet-blue wash on portions of the body, and prominent elongated flank plumes that are vivid iridescent blue, fanned out widely during display. Fine, elongated black tail wires extend beyond the tail tip.
- Body: black with a blue-violet sheen in places
- Flank plumes: iridescent blue, long and filamentous
- Tail wires: elongated, black, wire-like
- Facial skin: dark, with pale eye markings adding contrast
Vivid iridescent blue flank plumes against an otherwise black body are distinctive and not shared with any other bird-of-paradise in the same range.
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Males require several years to reach full adult plumage, including the elongated blue flank plumes and tail wires, and resemble females in the interim. Females are plain brown, lacking the blue plumes and black body tone of the adult male.
- Adult males: black body with iridescent blue flank plumes and tail wires
- Females and immatures: plain brown, unadorned plumage
- Gradual, multi-year plumage maturation in males
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Found in montane rainforest of the central highlands of Papua New Guinea, generally at higher elevations than many lowland bird-of-paradise species.
- Non-migratory resident of highland forest
- Occupies mid- to upper-elevation montane forest zones
- More restricted in range than some widespread lowland relatives
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Males perform a distinctive inverted display, hanging upside down from a branch while fanning their blue flank plumes and swinging gently. Diet is mainly fruit with some small animal prey.
- Voice: a distinctive buzzing or rasping call, quite different from the calls of related Paradisaea species
- Nesting: females build and tend nests without male assistance
- Field notes: the upside-down display combined with fanned iridescent blue plumes is unmistakable and unique to this species
Frequently asked questions
What is unusual about this species' courtship display?
Males hang upside down from a branch while fanning their iridescent blue flank plumes, a posture not shared by most other birds-of-paradise.
What color are the male's ornamental feathers?
Vivid iridescent blue flank plumes, set against an otherwise black body, a rare combination within the family.
Where does this species live?
In montane rainforest of the central highlands of Papua New Guinea.
How do females differ from males?
Females are plain brown, lacking the black body tone, blue flank plumes, and tail wires seen in adult males.
Blue Bird-of-paradise guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Blue Bird-of-paradise.
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