Lesser Bird-of-paradise
Paradisaea minor
The Lesser Bird-of-paradise is a smaller relative of the Greater Bird-of-paradise, with a similar plumage pattern of yellow flank plumes over a maroon-brown body. Males gather at communal display trees across lowland New Guinea forest.
- Feather type
- Elongated ornamental flank plumes, iridescent contour feathers
- Colours
- Maroon-brown body, yellow crown, iridescent green throat, and yellow flank plumes
- Bird size
- Crow-sized body, ~32 cm plus plumes
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Overview
Overview
The Lesser Bird-of-paradise closely resembles the Greater Bird-of-paradise in plumage pattern but is smaller in overall body size and plume length. Males perform group courtship displays similar to their larger relative, making size and range useful distinguishing details.
- Smaller-bodied counterpart to the Greater Bird-of-paradise
- Shares a similar yellow-plumed display pattern
- Occupies lowland rainforest across much of New Guinea
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
Adult males show a maroon-brown body, yellow crown, and iridescent green throat, closely matching the pattern of the Greater Bird-of-paradise. The flank plumes are yellow, generally shorter and less voluminous than those of the larger species.
- Crown: bright yellow
- Throat: iridescent green
- Body: maroon-brown
- Flank plumes: yellow, elongated but shorter than in the Greater Bird-of-paradise
- Tail: dark, unremarkable
Overall smaller body size and shorter flank plumes distinguish this species from the Greater Bird-of-paradise, while yellow (rather than red-orange) plumes separate it from the Raggiana Bird-of-paradise.
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Males take multiple years to reach full adult plumage, passing through a female-like immature stage. Females are plain rufous-brown, without ornamental crown, throat, or flank feathers.
- Adult males: ornate yellow-plumed plumage
- Females and immatures: plain, cryptic brown plumage
- Gradual multi-year plumage maturation in males
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Found in lowland rainforest across much of New Guinea, including parts of the island not occupied by the Greater or Raggiana Birds-of-paradise.
- Non-migratory resident of lowland tropical forest
- Generally restricted to areas with substantial forest cover
- Occupies canopy and subcanopy for feeding and display
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Males display at communal lek sites, performing coordinated movements to show off their flank plumes. Diet consists mainly of fruit with some small animal prey.
- Voice: loud calls given around display trees, similar in tone to related Paradisaea species
- Nesting: females build and tend nests independently
- Field notes: compare overall size and plume length against the Greater Bird-of-paradise when ranges approach one another
Frequently asked questions
How does the Lesser Bird-of-paradise differ from the Greater?
It is smaller-bodied overall, with shorter yellow flank plumes than its larger relative.
What color are this species' male flank plumes?
Yellow, distinguishing it from the red-orange plumes of the Raggiana Bird-of-paradise.
What does the female look like?
Plain rufous-brown, lacking the yellow crown, green throat, and elongated plumes of the adult male.
Where is this species found?
In lowland rainforest across much of New Guinea.
Lesser Bird-of-paradise guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Lesser Bird-of-paradise.
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