Lesser Bird of Paradise Performs Stunning Mating Dance

Welcome to the lesser bird of paradise show! With a backdrop of lush vegetation, this strikingly beautiful bird is putting on a display of his life. You can have a front row seat by taking a look at this amazing YouTube footage. Continue reading to learn more about these fascinating birds and our analysis of their behavior and its purpose.

Lesser Birds of Paradise

The lesser bird of paradise (Paradisaea minor) is found in New Guinea, where it inhabits lowland and hill forests. They are also found in swamp forests and at forest edges and generally feed on fruit and arthropods. The males and females are similar in size, but they have different plumage. As you can see in the clip, the males look spectacular, with a yellow head and back, an iridescent green throat, deep brown wings, and elongated yellow flank plumes. Breeding takes place between July and February. It is the female that builds the nest, and she alone will tend to the eggs and hatchlings. She will lay one or two eggs high up in the tree branches, in a nest shaped like a bulky, open cup.

Courtship Displays

The behavior shown in the clip is a courtship display. These birds are polygynous, meaning each female selects only one male to mate with. She chooses a male that appears fit and healthy, as she wants strong offspring with the best chance of survival. However, the male hopes to mate with several females during the breeding season. As a result, he invests significant energy in attracting mates. His bright and long plumage, energetic movements, and powerful voice are all signs of his strength and vigor.

The locations where these birds display are called leks, and the act of displaying is known as lekking. To prepare the display site, the male strips the tree of leaves so that females in the area have a clear view of him. Up to 12 males may display in a single lek tree, with the dominant, older males occupying the prime positions at the center.

At the start of the display, he flicks his brown wing feathers in front of his body, then throws his flank plumes over his back, likely to showcase their length and luxurious appearance. To demonstrate his physical prowess, he hops up and down the branch while lowering and raising his bill. Towards the end of the clip, you can hear him deliver his signature, repeated nasal squawk—a sound that is sure to attract the attention of nearby females.