Raggiana Bird-of-paradise

The Raggiana bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea raggiana, also known as Count Raggi's bird-of-paradise, is a resplendent creature, the very emblem of Papua New Guinea. Measuring 34 centimeters in length, the male is distinguished by its maroon-brown plumage, a yellow crown, and an emerald-green throat, separated from the blackish upper breast by a yellow collar. Its tail is adorned with long black wires and voluminous flank plumes that range from red to orange, with the depth of hue varying across subspecies. The female, in contrast, is a more subdued maroonish-brown and lacks the male's ornate tail feathers.

Identification Tips

To identify the Raggiana bird-of-paradise, look for the male's distinctive yellow crown, green throat, and the striking contrast between the yellow collar and black upper breast. The long tail wires and large flank plumes are also key identifiers. The female can be recognized by her more uniform maroonish-brown coloration and absence of the male's elaborate tail decorations.

Habitat

This species graces the tropical forests of New Guinea with its presence, favoring the southern and northeastern regions of the island.

Distribution

The Raggiana bird-of-paradise is widely distributed across the lush landscapes of New Guinea, where it is locally known as kumul or cenderawasih.

Behaviour

The Raggiana bird-of-paradise is a polygamous species, with males displaying in communal leks to attract females. These leks are arenas where males vie for the most prominent perches on tall, slender trees, performing elaborate displays that include wing clapping and head shaking.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of this species is as yet undocumented in this text, but one can imagine the calls to be as vibrant and distinctive as the birds themselves.

Breeding

Males gather in leks, which are display sites that can span 30 to 100 meters in diameter. Here, they perform their courtship displays. The female constructs a bowl-shaped nest out of plant materials, placing it 2 to 11 meters above the ground. She lays one to two pinkish buff eggs and incubates them alone, a task that lasts about 18 to 20 days.

Similar Species

While the text does not provide information on similar species, birdwatchers should be aware of other bird-of-paradise species that may share overlapping territories and exhibit some resemblance.

Diet and Feeding

The Raggiana bird-of-paradise primarily feeds on fruits and arthropods, playing a crucial role as a seed disperser for certain fruiting trees, including species of mahogany and nutmeg.

Conservation status

The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, and despite the harvesting of its plumes for ceremonial headdresses, it is not considered to be at risk of long-term decline. It is also listed on Appendix II of CITES.