Queen Carola's Parotia

In the verdant mid-mountain forests of central New Guinea, one encounters the Carola's parotia, a medium-sized bird-of-paradise known for its striking appearance. The male of the species, resplendent in velvety jet-black plumage with a coppery-bronze sheen, is adorned with a short, erectile crest tipped in silver-white. His eye is encircled by iridescent coppery-gold feathers, and from behind each eye, three long, wire-like occipital plumes with spatulate tips rise elegantly. The female, though less ornate, presents a modest beauty with her brownish to grey-brown plumage and buff underparts barred in blackish-brown.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Carola's parotia, look for the distinctive black head with a bronze sheen, the iridescent throat plumage, and the long, wire-like plumes. The female is recognized by her smaller size, longer tail, and lack of head plumes, with a brownish head marked by broad supercilium and moustachial stripes.

Habitat

This species calls the mid-mountain forests of central New Guinea its home, thriving in the lush canopy where it performs its elaborate courtship displays.

Distribution

The Carola's parotia is found across various regions of New Guinea, with several subspecies occupying distinct ranges within the central part of the island.

Behaviour

The Carola's parotia is known for its complex courtship rituals, where males perform a dance involving a series of movements designed to showcase their iridescent plumage and elongated plumes. These displays take place in leks, where males compete for the attention of females. The species is polygynous, with females solely responsible for nesting and rearing the young.

Song & Calls

While the vocalizations of the Carola's parotia are not well documented, birds-of-paradise are generally known for their diverse and often complex calls, which play a role in their courtship and territorial behaviors.

Breeding

Details on the breeding patterns of the Carola's parotia remain elusive, but it is known that the female undertakes all aspects of nesting and parental care.

Similar Species

The Carola's parotia may be confused with Lawes's parotia, but can be distinguished by its unique courtship dance and the presentation of its throat and flank plumage.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Carola's parotia primarily consists of fruits and arthropods, which it forages from the forest canopy.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Carola's parotia as Least Concern, indicating a stable population within its fairly remote range. It is also listed in Appendix II of CITES, reflecting the need for monitoring international trade.