Parotia berlepschi
The Bronze Parotia (*Parotia berlepschi*) is a medium-sized bird-of-paradise, measuring approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length, known for its spectacularly iridescent plumage and unique courtship display. Males are predominantly velvety black with a bronze-green iridescence on their crown and mantle, and a metallic golden-bronze breast shield that changes hue with the light. A distinctive field mark is the set of three filamentous 'wires' tipped with black spatulate ornaments behind each e...
This species primarily inhabits remote, dense montane rainforests and cloud forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 meters (3,300-5,250 feet). It prefers primary forest with a thick understory, often near ridges or steep slopes.
Their diet consists predominantly of fruits, especially figs, and a variety of invertebrates such as insects and spiders, which they glean from foliage and bark.
The Bronze Parotia is largely solitary and highly territorial, especially males during the breeding season. Males engage in one of the most elaborate courtship rituals among birds, clearing a 'stage' on the forest floor, often a patch of moss or cleared dirt, before performing their famous 'balle...
The Bronze Parotia is endemic to the Foja Mountains of West Papua, Indonesia, located in the central part of the island of New Guinea. Its known range is remarkably restricted, confined primarily to the relatively undisturbed, remote montane rainforests of this single mountain range. There are no...
Near Threatened
- The Bronze Parotia was 'lost' to science for 79 years, known only from six specimens collected between 1883 and 1930, before being rediscovered alive in 2005 during an expedition to the Foja Mountains. - Its courtship display is often called the 'ballerina dance' because the male extends his fl...