The red bird-of-paradise, also called the cendrawasih merah, is a bird-of-paradise in the genus Paradisaea, family Paradisaeidae.
Region
Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland to hill rainforests on Waigeo and Batanta. It favors tall, continuous canopy with prominent display trees and uses forest edges and ridges. Birds will also utilize lightly logged or regenerating forest if large fruiting trees remain. Display sites are typically in the mid- to upper-canopy where visibility is good.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the cendrawasih merah, the red bird-of-paradise is famed for the male’s extravagant courtship displays in communal leks high in the canopy. Males fan rich crimson flank plumes and hang upside-down while giving loud calls and wing snaps. It is restricted to a few islands of Raja Ampat in Indonesia, making habitat protection especially important.
Red bird-of-paradise featured in 20,000-rupiah banknote.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Polygynous; males gather at traditional leks and perform elaborate group displays, often on the same trees for years. Females visit leks to choose mates and then nest alone, building cup nests high in trees. Territoriality centers on display perches rather than large defended areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, nasal to buzzing calls delivered repeatedly from display perches. Males add mechanical sounds such as wing snaps and rustling of plumes during dances. Calls carry well through the canopy at dawn.
