Wilson's Bird-of-paradise

The Wilson's bird-of-paradise, a passerine of the Paradisaeidae family, is a small yet strikingly vibrant bird. Males boast a resplendent array of colours with a red and black plumage, a yellow mantle on the neck, light green mouth, rich blue feet, and two curved violet tail feathers. The head is a remarkable naked blue with a distinctive black double cross pattern. Females, on the other hand, present a more subdued brownish coloration with a bare blue crown.

Identification Tips

In the wild, the male's blue crown is so vivid it can be seen even at night. The scarlet back and velvet green breast are particularly lush, and the tail feathers gleam with a bright silver sheen. The female, while less colourful, can be identified by her brownish plumage and the blue crown.

Habitat

The Wilson's bird-of-paradise favours hill forests at around 300 meters above sea level but can also be found in lowland rainforests and middle mountain forests.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Indonesia, specifically the hill and lowland rainforests of Waigeo and Batanta Islands off West Papua.

Behaviour

Males are known to clear areas of the rainforest floor to create display courts for their elaborate mating dances, which are performed to attract and impress potential mates.

Breeding

The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the drab-coloured females selecting the most vibrant and active males based on their courtship displays, which are believed to indicate genetic fitness.

Diet and Feeding

Wilson's bird-of-paradise feeds on fruits, insects, arthropods, and other small invertebrates.

Conservation status

The Wilson's bird-of-paradise is currently classified as Near Threatened due to ongoing habitat loss, limited range, and exploitation. It is listed in Appendix II of CITES.