Vogelkop Lophorina

Overview

The Vogelkop lophorina (Lophorina superba) is a small passerine bird belonging to the bird-of-paradise family. Formerly part of the superb bird-of-paradise complex, it was separated as a distinct species in 2017.

Identification

• Males: Black plumage with an iridescent green crown, blue-green breast cover, and a long velvety black erectile cape.
• Females: Reddish-brown with brownish-barred buff underparts.
• Size: Approximately 26 cm (10 inches) in length.
• Behavior: Males perform an elaborate courtship display involving a prepared dance floor, spreading cape, and snapping tail feathers.

Habitat

Found in the montane rainforests and forest edges of northwest New Guinea, specifically the Bird's Head Peninsula and the Wandammen Peninsula in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The species is usually found in the upper canopy of these rainforests.

Diet

The bird forages on forest grounds and across trees for a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, frogs, reptiles, and small birds. Males are territorial, defending areas as small as 1.2 hectares where they forage.

Did you know?

Males have to wait 4–7 years to develop the feathers necessary for their courtship displays. The species exhibits one of the most elaborate courtship rituals in the avian world, where males meticulously scrub their dance floors and perform a high-intensity display that can last for many hours to attract the attention of a female who rejects 15–20 suitors before consenting.