Paradisaea guilielmi
The Emperor Bird-of-paradise, a jewel of the montane rainforests, is renowned for the male's spectacular courtship plumage and elaborate displays. Measuring approximately 33 cm (13 inches) excluding its long tail wires, the male is an unforgettable sight with a vibrant iridescent green head and throat, a golden-yellow crown, and a velvety maroon-brown body. Its most striking features are the two elongated, coppery-maroon tail wires that curl outwards and upwards, and the magnificent, pure whi...
Found exclusively in mid-montane rainforests and cloud forests, typically at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 meters (1,600 to 4,900 feet) above sea level.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a variety of forest fruits and berries; however, insects and other small arthropods also form a significant part of their diet.
Emperor Birds-of-paradise are diurnal, spending their days foraging in the forest canopy and understory, often alone. Males are highly polygynous and engage in a communal lek breeding system, where several males gather at traditional display sites, or 'leks,' to attract females. Their courtship r...
The Emperor Bird-of-paradise is an endemic resident of Papua New Guinea, exclusively found within the mountainous regions of the Finisterre Range and the Huon Peninsula. Its distribution is quite restricted, primarily inhabiting the mid-montane rainforests and cloud forests of these two distinct ...
Least Concern
- The Emperor Bird-of-paradise is named after Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, reflecting its regal appearance. - Unlike some other Birds-of-paradise, the male Emperor's flank plumes are pure white, creating a striking contrast with its maroon body and green head. - The ma...