The greater bird-of-paradise is a bird-of-paradise in the genus Paradisaea.
Region
New Guinea and Aru Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill rainforests of southwestern New Guinea and the Aru Islands, frequenting primary forest, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth. It often stays high in the canopy where fruiting trees are abundant. The species may also use swamp forest and gallery forest along rivers. Human-modified habitats with tall trees can be used locally if mature fruiting trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater bird-of-paradise is the largest species in the genus Paradisaea and famed for the male’s extravagant golden flank plumes used in elaborate courtship displays. Its scientific name, apoda, means “footless,” a misunderstanding from early traded skins that had their legs removed. Historically, its plumes were heavily sought in the fashion trade, which spurred early conservation awareness in the region.
"Hunchback" display pose. The male takes this position with other males in the wild. After a few prolonged seconds of posing in place, the males hop around with their flank feathers cocked and loudly calling, then pausing again.
Temperament
secretive but active, especially during display
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Males gather at traditional display sites (leks) high in the canopy, where they perform vigorous dances, wing-flicks, and plume-fanning to attract females. The species is polygynous; successful males mate with multiple females. Females alone build the nest and rear the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, far-carrying squawks and harsh rasping calls delivered from exposed perches. During displays, males add rapid chattering notes and mechanical wing sounds that punctuate the performance.
Plumage
Males have rich maroon-brown bodies with silky, elongated golden-yellow flank plumes and a glossy emerald-green throat; females are warm brown with paler underparts and lack the ornate plumes.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit, especially figs and other soft, lipid-rich fruits found in the canopy. Supplements its diet with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. Will occasionally take small vertebrates or nectar when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the upper canopy of mature forest at fruiting trees. Also forages along forest edges and in secondary growth where suitable fruiting trees persist.
