Birds of Paradise – members of the family Paradisaeidae – are a stunning collection of birds that reside in the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, Eastern Indonesia and eastern Australia. With 42 different species in 17 genera, birds of paradise are renowned for their striking array of colours, dramatic feather shapes and elaborate ornamentation – particularly in males. While birds of paradise themselves are not considered rare or vulnerable, a select few individual species have a low population left in the wild, such as Blue Bird-of-Paradise, and Goldie's Bird-of-Paradise.

Birds of Paradise belong to the family Paradisaeidae within the huge order Passeriformes, the biggest group of birds on the planet. Their close, taxonomic relationship with more generic birds such as crows, jays and shrikes is great example of evolution’s creativity – how intense selection can turn a fairly simple lineage into something so vibrant. Through mate choice, nature has shaped these birds into works of art, their fancy feathers and dramatic courtship displays in stark contrast to their plainer cousins.

A captivating feature of these exquisite birds is their elaborate mating displays – a crucial part of their courtship rituals, which involve a combination of visual elements and noises. Males perform complex and intricate dances, involving hopping, head-bobbing, swaying and rapid rhythmic movements. They also use ornamental feathers as props and contort their bodies into unusual shapes which help emphasise their colour. Some species enhance their display through light and sound, using buzzing, whistles, clicks and flashes of neon colours. Females are extremely selective, often observing several males before choosing a mate. As a result, fewer than 10% of males will be chosen in each season, driving the evolution of even more elaborate displays.

For centuries, these remarkable birds have been far more than just part of the natural landscape. Birds of paradise also hold cultural significance for individuals and communities in New Guinea in the form of spirituality, art and identity. In many cultures, such as those of the Asmat and Huli people, birds of paradise are viewed as messengers from the spirit world due to their otherworldly appearance, giving them a near supernatural aura. 

The elaborate feathers of male birds of paradise — particularly from species like the Greater Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) — have been used for generations in ceremonial headdresses, body adornments and ritual costumes. These feathers are especially important during cultural festivals and initiation ceremonies, where they signify honour, masculinity, and tribal pride. Also, in Europe, plumes of these birds, exported by indigenous traders eventually became a luxury commodity which led to excessive hunting in some regions. Today, the birds of paradise continue to serve as icons of national identity, featuring in art, currency and even on the national flag of Papua New Guinea.

The conservation of birds of paradise is a growing concern due to the increasing threat of human activity in remote rainforests. Whilst the population of many species remain relatively stable, others are under significant pressure due to isolated habitat, particularly in New Guinea. Many species are endemic to a single island or mountain range, meaning they have small geographic ranges. This makes them more vulnerable to extinction as a result in local disturbances. Logging, mining and agricultural expansion, particularly in the pursuit of palm oil, has decimated some lowland areas and montane rainforests which birds of paradise depend on. Also, hunting and trading of plume still occurs for ceremonial use and local ornamentation. Whilst traditional uses are usually sustainable, commercial demand can escalate the threat. Finally, climate change has reduced the forest’s carrying capacity for birds of paradise, through shrinking habitat sizes, particularly for highland species that cannot move higher when conditions change.  

Birds of Paradise are striking symbols of evolution and ecological uniqueness. Their vivid plumage, intricate feathers, and complex courtship displays represent how selection influences life in amazing ways. Found mainly in the rainforests of New Guinea and nearby areas, birds of paradise serve as important indicators of biodiversity and environmental health. Their existence reflects the richness of their ecosystems and the importance of its protection.

Where to See Birds of Paradise

The greatest local diversity for Birds of Paradise is in upland forest, where on birdwatching hikes we can sometimes see as many as 5 species without moving more than a few metres. We have greatest access to upland areas in Papua New Guinea, such as Rondon Ridge and the Mount Hagen area.

Lowland areas also have their special species, of which the most famous is Papua New Guinea’s national bird: the Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) – also known as Count Raggi’s Bird of Paradise. This is best seen around Milne Bay & Southeastern Papua New Guinea.

The lowland rainforest areas of Sepik Province are home to the Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleuca) – so-called due to its wire-like tail feathers. To spot these we need identify a leafless dead stem of an emergent tree, rising above the canopy. This will be a likely staging post for male Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise displays at dawn and dusk.

Smaller islands in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat are also places where we can observe locally endemic species. These include the dramatic rainforest-clad island of Waisai Island where our tours find Wilson’s Bird of Paradise and Red Birds of Paradise. We can reach these island-based from coastal hotels on our Raja Ampat Island Based Diving & Snorkelling vacation; and our Raja Ampat to Maluku Sailing Voyages & Jewels of Raja Ampat Sailing Voyage holidays. The former voyage also goes to another larger rainforest clad island of Misool where we can also find Red Birds of Paradise and Lesser Birds of Paradise – an unfortunate name since they are quite magnificent birds.

Islands where we might have expected Birds of Paradise are the larger offshore islands of New Britain, New Ireland and the independent island nation of the Solomons. Whilst we find some fantastic birdlife on these islands, Birds of Paradise are not amongst them. Bougainville Island lies in between yet does have Birds of Paradise and is best reached on our New Guinea Odyssey and our Remote South Pacific Voyage to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands & Vanuatu.