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

Greater Bird-of-paradise

Paradisaea apoda

The greater bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea apoda, is a captivating species, renowned as the largest member of its genus. It is celebrated for its extraordinary and elaborate courtship displays, which are considered among the most spectacular in the avian world. The male's plumage is a dazzling array of colors, with an iridescent green face and a crown that shimmers with yellow and silver iridescence. The body is cloaked in maroon-brown, while the flank plumes—integral to its courtship rituals—are a gradient of yellow, white, and maroon. The female, in contrast, sports a more subdued maroon-brown plumage. Both sexes share a yellow iris and a distinct blue bill.

Identification Tips

When identifying the greater bird-of-paradise, look for the male's striking green face and the lustrous yellow and silver crown. The long twin tail wires are also a key characteristic. Females can be identified by their unbarred maroon-brown plumage, which lacks the male's flamboyance.

Habitat

This species inhabits the lowland and hill forests of southwest New Guinea and the Aru Islands in Indonesia, where it can be observed amidst the dense foliage.

Distribution

Native to New Guinea, the greater bird-of-paradise has a presence on the Aru Islands and was historically introduced to Little Tobago Island in the West Indies. Although the introduced population likely no longer exists, the bird remains an iconic image on Trinidad and Tobago's $100 bill.

Behaviour

Greater birds-of-paradise are active before dawn, their distinctive calls echoing through the forest as they forage. They are known to associate with other bird species during feeding. Males spend the majority of their time during mating seasons at display grounds, engaging in elaborate courtship rituals to attract females.

Song & Calls

The male's courtship calls are complex and varied, including a series of "wauks" and other vocalizations that correspond with specific poses and movements during their courtship dance.

Breeding

Males are polygynous and do not participate in parental care. Instead, they invest their energy in intricate courtship displays, where females select mates based on the genetic benefits that may enhance offspring fitness. These displays occur at leks, where males congregate to perform their dances and calls.

Similar Species

While the greater bird-of-paradise is unique in its display, it can be confused with other Paradisaea species. However, its size and specific courtship behaviors are distinguishing factors.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the greater bird-of-paradise primarily consists of fruits, seeds, and small insects. They are often observed foraging in the company of other bird species.

Conservation status

The greater bird-of-paradise is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population within its native range. It is also listed in Appendix II of CITES, reflecting the need for monitoring international trade to ensure its sustainability.

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

Greater Bird-of-paradises on Birda

Sightings
A map showing the sighting location
🐒
Vaidhussen Acbarly
02 Oct 2024 - 7:16pm
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
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
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.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
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.
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
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.