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Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise

Male Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise
The Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise is one of the largest members of the Bird-of-Paradise family. Like many of its cousins, this spectacular bird can be found in New Guinea. It is actually the national bird of Papua New Guinea, and can be found on their flag and on stamps! Their feathers have long served a cultural purpose, and have been used during ceremonies and festivals.

Raggiana Birds-of-Paradise, named for a Genoese marquis, are brilliantly colored... if they are male. Yellow crowns, green throats, and long, orange feathers help these dapper fellows to attract mates. Females are a more drab, reddish brown.

Breeding is done in a lek style, with multiple males coming together in an arena of sorts. They find perches that they defend and show off on, clapping their wings and shaking their heads. Raggiana Birds-of-Paradise do not form pair bonds. After mating, the female goes off to nest and incubate alone while the males works to attract yet another mate.

The Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise is an omnivore that feeds off of fruits and insects. They serve as important seed dispensers for several plant species.
IUCN Status :  Least Concern
Location : New Guinea
Size : Body Length up to 13in (34cm)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Paradisaeidae -- Genus : Paradisaea -- Species : P. raggiana
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