The Huon astrapia, also known as Rothschild's astrapia, Huon bird-of-paradise, or Lord Rothschild's bird-of-paradise, is a species of bird-of-paradise belonging to the genus Astrapia. Like most of its congeners, A. rothschildi is a rather elusive member of its genus and family.
Region
Northeast New Guinea (Huon Peninsula)
Typical Environment
Occurs in upper montane and cloud forests, favoring mossy, mature forest with dense epiphytes and occasional forest edges. Frequently visits fruiting trees along ridgelines and in tall mid-montane forest interior. It tolerates small forest gaps and secondary growth if large fruiting trees are present. The species is generally localized to high elevations on the peninsula and is absent from lowlands.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Huon astrapia, or Rothschild's astrapia, is a bird-of-paradise restricted to the high montane forests of the Huon Peninsula in Papua New Guinea. Males have long, ribbon-like tail streamers and shimmering iridescent plumage used in elaborate courtship displays. Females are more cryptic brown and handle all nesting duties. The species is shy and often detected by its harsh calls near fruiting trees.
Illustration of a female A. rothschildi.
Temperament
solitary and shy
Flight Pattern
short direct flights with rapid wingbeats between high perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose proximity near fruiting trees. Males maintain dispersed display sites where they perform posture and plume displays to visiting females. Nesting is undertaken by the female alone, who builds a small cup nest and raises the chick without male assistance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of harsh rasping notes and dry squawks, interspersed with sharp whistles. Calls carry through the canopy and are often the easiest way to detect the species in dense montane forest.
