The lesser lophorina, also known as lesser superb bird-of-paradise or rasping bird-of-paradise, is a species of passerine bird in the bird-of-paradise family Paradisaeidae.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and upper hill forests of New Guinea, favoring mossy rainforest, mid-montane evergreen forest, and edges of mature forest. It uses midstory perches for courtship and foraging, and may visit forest gaps and secondary growth where fruiting shrubs and vines are abundant. Display courts are typically on low perches in secluded understory sites. It tolerates selective logging if sufficient canopy and fruit resources remain.
Altitude Range
1200–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the birds-of-paradise, the lesser lophorina is famed for the male’s theatrical courtship, where it spreads a black cape and flashes an electric blue-green breast shield that forms a striking ‘smiley face’ display. Its harsh, rasping call gives rise to the name “rasping bird-of-paradise.” Females are cryptically barred brown and solely responsible for nest-building and chick rearing. The species is part of a recent taxonomic split within the Lophorina complex of New Guinea.
Male Lophorina minor.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Males maintain small display courts and perform elaborate dances and postures to attract visiting females. The species is polygynous; males provide no parental care. Females build a cup nest alone and raise the young without assistance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are dominated by harsh, rasping notes interspersed with metallic clicks and snaps. During display, males produce rhythmic rasping series and mechanical wing or bill sounds that carry through the understory.
