Victoria's riflebird, also known as the lesser riflebird, Queen Victoria riflebird, Queen Victoria's riflebird, or Victoria riflebird, is a bird-of-paradise endemic to the Atherton Tableland region of northeastern Queensland, Australia where it resides year-round.
Region
Wet Tropics of Queensland
Typical Environment
Found in tropical rainforests of the Atherton Tableland and nearby ranges in northeastern Queensland. Prefers mature primary rainforest but also forages in secondary growth, forest edges, and along fruiting trees near clearings. Often uses mid-story and canopy strata, descending to trunks and large vines to glean arthropods. The species is largely sedentary within its restricted range, moving locally in response to fruit availability.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the bird-of-paradise family, the male performs an elaborate courtship display, spreading his wings into a black oval and flashing a shimmering blue-green throat shield. The name 'riflebird' is traditionally linked to the male’s velvety black plumage, reminiscent of the uniform of the British Rifle Brigade. Females are brown and barred, building the nest and raising the young alone.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Males maintain display perches and perform conspicuous courtship rituals to attract females, often returning to the same display sites. The species is polygynous; males do not assist with nesting. Females build a cup nest and rear the chicks on their own.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, ringing notes and harsh calls, often repeated from an exposed perch. Some notes sound like sharp, metallic snaps or whip-cracks, carrying far through the forest.
