Paradise riflebird

Species of bird

The paradise riflebird (Ptiloris paradiseus) is a passerine bird of the family Paradisaeidae. It is one of four riflebird species in the genus Ptiloris. It is found in subtropical, temperate rainforests in eastern Australia. The species is sexually dimorphic; the male is black with iridescent blue green patches, while the female is gray brown and white. The paradise riflebird is frugivorous and insectivorous. During breeding season, males are promiscuous and perform solitary displays for females, which involves moving rapidly from side to side with the head tilted back, showing off the neck plumage.

The paradise riflebird was formally described in 1825 by the English naturalist William Swainson under the current binomial name Ptiloris paradiseus. It is one of the four riflebird species that are now placed in the genus Ptiloris. The common name "riflebird" comes from the likeness of their black velvety plumage to the uniform of the British Army Rifle Brigade. There are no recognised subspecies of the paradise riflebird. It is similar in appearance to the other riflebird species, with males having similar iridescent blue green patches and females appearing gray brown with barred patterned underparts.

The paradise riflebird is a medium sized bird, with males averaging about 30 cm (11.8 in) in height and weighing on average 134 to 155 g (4.7 to 5.5 oz). Females are slightly smaller, averaging at 29 cm (11.4 in) and weighing on average 86 to 112 g (3.0 to 3.9 oz). Both genders have a long, black, decurved bill, black legs, and dark brown iris. The species is sexually dimorphic, with few similarities in plumage between males and females. The adult male is black with an iridescent greenish blue crown, throat, and central tail feathers, as well as iridescent green on the lower breast and flank. The central tail feathers are shortened, giving an appearance of blue over black along the tail. The adult female is gray brown, with rufous coloration on the primary and secondary wing feathers, save for a white streak on the supercilium, white throat, and lighter brown with a barred pattern running down the breast, flanks, and belly. There has been little record of juvenile appearance. Juveniles of both genders resemble the adult female, with gray brown feathers. The male is known for its powerful “yaassss” call, often repeated once at a time and lasting around 2 seconds. However, it has been known to migrate locally, moving from wet rainforests to nearby sclerophyll forests. Breeding occurs from August to February, during the spring to summer months in Australia. Although individuals of the species are generally non territorial, males are presumed to display territorial behavior over these perches during the mating season. The courtship display is composed of rapid side to side movements of the wings, which are held horizontally similar to other riflebirds, and head, with a gaping mouth and the iridescent blue green sheen on the throat exposed. It is highly vulnerable to deforestation and rainforest fragmentation due to its sedentary lifestyle and low population density, and has lost much of its original habitat.