Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Western Parotia

Parotia sefilata

The Western Parotia, also known as the Arfak Parotia, is a medium-sized bird-of-paradise, measuring approximately 33 cm in length. The species exhibits a remarkable sexual dimorphism. Males are adorned with jet black plumage, complemented by iridescent golden-green breast shields and a crown of triangular silver feathers. Notably, they possess three long, wire-like plumes with spatulate tips above and behind each eye, known as occipital plumes. In stark contrast, the female is more modestly attired in brown plumage.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Western Parotia, look for its distinctive black plumage, the shimmering golden-green breast shield, and the unique silver crown feathers. The occipital plumes are a key characteristic, with their wire-like structure and small, flattened tips. Females can be recognized by their unadorned brown plumage, which is typical of the females in the bird-of-paradise family.

Habitat

This species is native to the mountain forests of the Vogelkop and Wandammen Peninsula in Western New Guinea.

Distribution

The Western Parotia is endemic to Western New Guinea, where it resides in the aforementioned mountainous regions.

Behaviour

The Western Parotia is polygynous, with males engaging in elaborate courtship displays. These displays take place on terrestrial courts within exploded leks. During his performance, the male showcases a ballerina-like dance, fanning out his elongated black plumes beneath the iridescent breast shield. He rapidly shakes his head and neck to reveal the full splendor of his silver head adornment to the observing females.

Breeding

The female Western Parotia is solely responsible for nest building and care. The specifics of the breeding season remain largely enigmatic.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Western Parotia primarily consists of fruits, including figs, and various arthropods.

Conservation status

The Western Parotia is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is also listed in Appendix II of CITES, indicating that while it is not currently threatened with extinction, it must be carefully monitored to ensure its populations remain stable.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Western Parotias on Birda

Sightings
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Owen Robertson
Owen Robertson
08 Nov 2019 - 12:00am
Indonesia

More Birds-of-paradise

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Emma L
App got me interested in birding!
Super friendly community <3 This app got me interested in birding! It teaches me cool stuff and its super friendly, and fun :) The species guide is really developing my knowledge, and i love seeing cool new birds from round the world!
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Bryan C
Clean and easy to use
Really enjoying this app, it's clean and easy to use. I love the ease of being able to add those one-off birds without starting a whole checklist. I also like the social aspect, like the parts of my Facebook I like, without the ads and junk, just birds. Can't wait to see it become more populated.
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.