The twelve-wired bird-of-paradise is a medium-sized, approximately 33 cm (13 in) long, velvet black and yellow bird-of-paradise. The male has a red iris, long black bill and rich yellow plumes along his flanks. From the rear of these plumes emerge twelve blackish, wire-like filaments, which bend back near their bases to sweep forward over the bird's hindquarters. The female is a brown bird with black-barred buff underparts. Their feet are strong, large-clawed and pink.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable lowland forest across New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It favors swamp forest, riverine and gallery forest, sago palm stands, and forest edges, and will visit secondary growth with fruiting trees. Birds choose prominent, exposed perches for display within these habitats. It is generally absent from montane forests and heavily disturbed open country.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is the sole member of its genus, noted for the male’s display in which he uses twelve stiff, wire-like flank filaments to brush and entice females on an exposed perch. Males perform on vertical stumps or saplings in lowland forest clearings. Females alone build the nest and rear the young. It is largely sedentary and tied to New Guinea’s lowland forest ecosystems.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Males maintain solitary display courts, typically on an exposed upright perch, and are polygynous. Females select the mate, then build a shallow cup nest alone and provide all parental care. Clutch size is small, often a single egg (occasionally two). Outside display, birds are usually seen singly or in loose association at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, buzzy rasps and nasal whistles given from display perches. During courtship the male intersperses harsh calls with rapid clicks and squeaks while brushing the female with his wires.
