Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Paradise Riflebird (Ptiloris paradiseus), male
Paradise Riflebird, Male

Paradise Riflebird

Ptiloris paradiseus

The Paradise Riflebird, Ptiloris paradiseus, is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the family Paradisaeidae. The male of the species is a striking figure, cloaked in black with dazzling iridescent blue-green patches that catch the light in a mesmerizing display. In stark contrast, the female is a more subdued gray-brown and white, with a pattern that blends seamlessly into the forest backdrop.

Identification Tips

To identify the Paradise Riflebird, look for the male's black plumage with iridescent blue-green crown, throat, and central tail feathers. The female, on the other hand, is gray-brown with a white streak above the eye and a barred pattern on the underparts. Both sexes possess a long, black, decurved bill and dark brown eyes, but the female's bill is notably longer and more curved.

Habitat

This bird is a denizen of subtropical and temperate rainforests, preferring the lush canopy where it can forage and display. It is most commonly found at elevations above 500 meters but may descend to lower altitudes during the colder winter months.

Distribution

Endemic to eastern Australia, the Paradise Riflebird's range extends from New South Wales to Queensland. It is a sedentary species, meaning it does not typically migrate long distances, though some local movement has been observed.

Behaviour

The Paradise Riflebird is a solitary creature, often seen alone or in small foraging groups. It is known for its non-territorial nature, except perhaps during the breeding season when males may defend their display perches. The male's courtship display is a captivating dance, with rapid side-to-side movements designed to showcase his iridescent plumage to potential mates.

Song & Calls

The male's call is a distinctive and powerful "yaassss," a sound that resonates through the forest and can last around 2 seconds. This call is often repeated, punctuating the tranquility of its rainforest home.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from August to February, aligning with the Australian spring and summer. The Paradise Riflebird is polygynous, with males engaging in elaborate displays to attract females. After mating, the female takes on the sole responsibility of raising the young, constructing a nest that is larger and bulkier than that of its close relative, the Victoria's riflebird.

Similar Species

The Paradise Riflebird can be confused with other riflebird species, but the male's unique display and the female's longer bill can help distinguish it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

A frugivorous and insectivorous bird, the Paradise Riflebird forages high in the forest canopy, occasionally forming small groups to feed.

Conservation Status

Despite historical hunting for its plumage, the Paradise Riflebird is currently listed as Least Concern. However, it is not immune to the threats of deforestation and habitat fragmentation, which have led to a decline in its population. Its sedentary lifestyle and low population density make it particularly vulnerable to these environmental pressures.

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

Paradise Riflebirds on Birda

Sightings
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Dirty Bustard
Dirty Bustard
22 Feb 2024 - 5:22am
Australia

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
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
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!
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.