The stunning blue feathers of this bird are perfectly complemented by its graceful dance during courtship displays. Introducing the Blue Bird-of-Paradise.
The magnificent blue bird-of-paradise, scientifically known as Paradisornis Rudolphi, is a stunning avian species that is relatively large in size. It is the sole member of the Paradisornis genus, but it was formerly categorized under the Paradisaea genus. Sporting predominantly black plumage, this bird-of-paradise boasts a bluish-white beak, dark gray legs, a fragmented white eye-ring, and striking blue wings.
The male bird is adorned with violet-blue and cinnamon-shaded flank feathers, which have two long ribbon-like tail feathers emerging from them. In comparison to the male, the female bird is predominantly a chestnut brown color. These birds are sparsely distributed in the mountain forests of the Central ranges in southeastern Papua New Guinea.
The blue-birds-of paradise are known for their frugivorous diet, which includes a wide range of fruits and berries. However, they may sometimes consume animal prey such as insects and reptiles.
During the breeding season, the male bird showcases a stunning display while hanging upside down from a branch. He pulsates the black oval with a red margin on his chest, rhythmically enlarging and contracting its size. Simultaneously, he fans out his violet-blue plumes, continuously making a soft, insect-like buzzing noise mixed with chattering. If he successfully impresses the female, she goes on to construct a nest using stems, twigs, palm leaves, and vines in a flat cup-like shape. Typically, only one egg is laid and brooded over by a very protective mother.
The blue bird-of-paradise is facing a declining habitat and a small population size, resulting in a limited range. Additionally, they are being hunted for their highly coveted plumes, which puts them in danger. Therefore, these birds are categorized as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
