Parotia lawesii
Lawes's Parotia, *Parotia lawesii*, is an iconic medium-sized bird-of-paradise, averaging 27 cm in length and weighing between 140 and 190 grams. The male is spectacularly ornate, featuring a glossy black plumage with iridescent sheens of bronze, purple, and green, especially on its head and mantle. Its most striking features are the six spatulate head plumes (three on each side of the head, tipped with spatulate discs) and an iridescent, metallic coppery-bronze breast shield bordered by a na...
This species primarily inhabits mid-montane and upper-montane rainforests, cloud forests, and degraded forest edges, typically at elevations between 1,200 and 2,100 meters.
Lawes's Parotia is omnivorous, primarily consuming a variety of fruits, especially figs and drupes, supplemented by insects and spiders.
Lawes's Parotia is a diurnal and largely solitary species, except during the breeding season. Males are polygynous and maintain distinct display courts, which they meticulously clear of debris before performing their elaborate courtship ritual. The male's famed "ballerina dance" involves a series...
Lawes's Parotia is endemic to the central and eastern mountain ranges of New Guinea, encompassing parts of both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua. Its distribution includes the Owen Stanley Range in southeastern Papua New Guinea, extending through the Kratke Range, Bismarck R...
Least Concern
- The male Lawes's Parotia performs an intricate and iconic "ballerina dance" on a meticulously cleared forest floor stage, pivoting and bowing to display his iridescent plumage. - Males possess six unique spatulate head plumes, three on each side, which are actively used in their courtship displ...