Lesser Bird-of-paradise

Overview

The lesser bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor) is a medium-sized bird belonging to the genus Paradisaea. It is a widespread and common species found in the forests of northern New Guinea and its neighbouring islands, currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird up to 32 cm long.
• Males feature maroon-brown plumage with a yellow crown, a dark emerald-green throat, long tail-wires, and ornamental flank plumes that fade from deep yellow to white.
• Females are maroon with a dark-brown head and whitish underparts, distinguishing them from the greater bird-of-paradise which lacks white underparts.

Habitat

This species is distributed throughout the forests of northern New Guinea, including the nearby islands of Misool and Yapen. It is widespread and common across its large range.

Diet

The diet consists mainly of fruits and insects.

Did you know?

Research suggests that lesser bird-of-paradise may possess toxins in their skins that are derived from their insect prey.