Cicinnurus regius
The King Bird-of-paradise (*Cicinnurus regius*) is a diminutive and dazzling member of the Paradisaeidae family, renowned for its extraordinary sexual dimorphism and intricate courtship displays. Males are a vibrant crimson red on the upperparts and brilliant white on the belly, separated by a distinct emerald green breast band, while females are duller, predominantly olive-brown. Measuring approximately 16-19 cm (6-7.5 inches) in length, excluding the remarkable tail wires which can add anot...
Found primarily in lowland rainforests, including secondary growth and forest edges, from sea level up to approximately 900-1000 meters (3,000 feet) in elevation.
Feeds mainly on a variety of fruits, particularly figs, complemented by small arthropods such as spiders and insects, which it gleans from foliage.
King Birds-of-paradise are diurnal and generally solitary outside of the breeding season, often perching inconspicuously in the forest canopy. Males establish and maintain leks, which are specific display perches or areas, to attract females. Their foraging strategy involves actively gleaning fru...
The King Bird-of-paradise is endemic to the island of New Guinea and several adjacent smaller islands. Its primary distribution covers the vast lowland rainforests throughout the mainland of New Guinea, encompassing regions in both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and P...
Least Concern
- The King Bird-of-paradise is the smallest species in the family Paradisaeidae, measuring less than 20 cm without its tail wires. - Male King Birds-of-paradise possess two unique, spatula-tipped tail wires that extend far beyond their tail feathers, ending in iridescent green spiral discs. - Dur...