The lesser bird-of-paradise is a bird-of-paradise in the genus Paradisaea.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits lowland and hill rainforests, including secondary growth and forest edges. It favors the mid to upper canopy, often frequenting fruiting trees. Birds gather at long-used display trees in intact forest patches. It tolerates some disturbance but declines where large tracts of forest are removed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Famed for its spectacular courtship, the male lesser bird-of-paradise gathers at traditional display trees to perform elaborate dances and show off its vibrant flank plumes. Females choose mates and alone build the nest and raise the young. Historically, its plumes were traded and used in ceremonial dress across New Guinea. Despite being locally common, it faces ongoing pressure from habitat loss and hunting.
Temperament
social and active during displays; otherwise shy in dense canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick hops between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Polygynous and lekking: males congregate at display trees, each defending a perch to attract visiting females. Females select mates and handle all nesting and chick-rearing. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in concealed forks high in the forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, ringing notes and repeated whistles delivered from display perches. During courtship, males produce rhythmic calls interspersed with wing rustles and mechanical sounds.
Plumage
Male is chestnut-brown with a bright yellow crown and nape, emerald-green throat, and long, silky yellow to white flank plumes; female is warm brown with a paler underside and lacks ornamentation.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits and berries, especially figs, supplementing with insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It gleans and plucks food in the canopy and occasionally hawks for flying insects. Seasonal fruiting influences local movements and foraging intensity.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of primary and secondary rainforest, often at fruiting trees. It also visits forest edges and tall secondary growth where large trees provide feeding and display sites.
