Bird of Paradise: Features, Lifespan, Diet & Photos

The Bird of Paradise is a brightly colored bird known for its unique feathers and elaborate courtship dances. It lives in tropical forests and are native to New Guinea and nearby islands. Males display stunning plumage to attract females. These birds are admired in American aviaries and documentaries. Their beauty makes them a favorite among bird watchers and nature lovers.

Bird of Paradise Images

Characteristics of Bird of Paradise

This bird is famous for its beauty and attractive appearance which catches the viewer’s attention.

General Characteristic Feature Specific to Bird of Paradise
Scientific Name Paradisaeidae (Family)
Size Varies by species, generally 6 to 17 inches
Color Brightly colored with iridescent blues, reds, yellows, and greens
Habitat Native to rainforests of New Guinea and parts of Australia
Diet Feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals
Flight Ability Strong but prefers short flights and hopping between branches

Bird of Paradise Lifespan

Birds-of-paradise typically have an average lifespan of around 5 to 8 years in the wild, though some species may live longer—up to 10 or even 15 years under optimal conditions. In captivity, where threats such as predators and habitat loss are minimized, they can often live significantly longer, potentially reaching 20 years or more.

Bird of Paradise Price

The price of a Bird of Paradise typically ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the species, age, health, and breeder reputation.

Interesting Feature About Bird of Paradise

These birds have their own nature and habits which influence their way of living. Some things that can grab the attention of other people are:

1. Brilliant Courtship Dances

Male Birds of Paradise perform attractive dance to seek female’s attention. Some spread their feathers into a fan, while others hop, twist, or even hang upside down. Their dance routines are among the most elaborate in the bird world.

Paradisaeidae

2. Feathers That Absorb Light

Certain species have feathers that absorb nearly 99.95% of light including the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise. This makes them appear even darker, creating a striking contrast with their bright colors and patterns.

3. Shapes That Defy Nature

Some species change their body shape during displays like the Superb Bird of Paradise. They puff up their feathers and turn into an almost perfect black oval with glowing blue eyes. This makes them look unreal according to this world.

4. Sound Changing Skills

Some Birds of Paradise mimic other bird calls, insect sounds, and even environmental noises other than singing Their ability to produce a variety of sounds makes them stand out from typical songbirds.

Bird of Paradise Photo

5. Extraordinary Tail Feathers

Some species have tail feathers up to three times longer than their bodies including the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia. These flowing feathers add elegance but also make flight more challenging.

6. Males Don’t Help Raise Chicks

Male Birds of Paradise focus only on attracting mates unlike many bird species. Once they succeed, the female builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the chicks alone.

7. Limited to Remote Rainforests

Most Birds of Paradise are found only in Papua New Guinea and nearby islands. Their isolated habitats keep them safe from many predators but also make them highly vulnerable to habitat destruction.

8. Extreme Species Diversity

There are over 40 species of Birds of Paradise, each with unique colors, feather patterns, and behaviors. No two species look exactly the same from golden crowns to metallic blues.

9. Feathers Were Once a Fashion Trend

Birds of Paradise were hunted for their stunning feathers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These were used in hats and fashion accessories which lead to a drastic decline in their population.

Bird of Paradise Image

10. They Can Hang Upside Down

Some species, like the Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, perform interesting acts while hanging upside down. This acrobatic move helps them showcase their feathers from every possible angle.

11. They Lack Natural Fear of Humans

Some Birds of Paradise show little fear of people since they evolved in areas with few natural predators. This makes them easier to observe but also makes them more vulnerable to poachers.

12. Their Beaks Are Built for Fruit

Most Birds of Paradise have curved beaks designed to eat soft fruits. While they occasionally eat insects or small animals, fruit makes up the majority of their diet, helping spread seeds in their rainforest habitats.

Sightseeing of Bird of Paradise in USA

These birds inhabit some limited places in the USA and they can be quite difficult to grab for photography. Some areas of the country inhabit large numbers of this bird.

Location Name State in Which it is Located
San Diego Zoo California
Los Angeles Zoo California
Bronx Zoo New York
Smithsonian National Zoo Washington D.C.
Dallas World Aquarium Texas
Houston Zoo Texas
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Ohio
Saint Louis Zoo Missouri
Oregon Zoo Oregon
Honolulu Zoo Hawaii

Photography Tips For Bird of Paradise

This birds doesn’t offer many frequent sightseeing and whenever it does, its a good chance to capture the nature’s beauty in your picture album.

Bird of Paradise Pics

  • Use a telephoto lens (300mm or more) to capture detailed shots from a distance without disturbing the bird.
  • Shoot during early morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting and attractive feather colors.
  • Stay patient and observe their movements to anticipate unique poses and courtship displays.
  • Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or higher) to freeze their quick movements in sharp detail.
  • Blend into the environment with neutral clothing and stay still to avoid scaring them away.

Bird of Paradise is a very unique specie in the whole lot of bird species possessing a very interesting behavior. This bird shows multiple attractive acts to catch the attention of its partner but this also grabs the attention of humans. This bird is worth watching and is also a very beautiful part of natural wildlife.

Most Asked Question

1. Why is the Bird of Paradise bird famous?

The Bird of Paradise is known for its bright colors, unique feather patterns, and elaborate dance moves performed by males to attract mates.

2. What do Birds of Paradise eat?

They mainly eat fruit, but some species also consume insects, nectar, and small vertebrates for extra protein.

3. Can you keep a Bird of Paradise as a pet in the USA?

No, Birds of Paradise are protected wild birds, and it is illegal to own them as pets under international wildlife laws.