Paradise Riflebird
Ptiloris paradiseus
The Paradise Riflebird (Ptiloris paradiseus) is a rare birds-of-paradise found only in Australia, weighing about 119 g. The paradise riflebird is a passerine bird of the family Paradisaeidae.
About the Paradise Riflebird
The paradise riflebird is a passerine bird of the family Paradisaeidae. It is one of four riflebird species in the genus Ptiloris. It is found in subtropical, temperate rainforests in eastern Australia. The species is sexually dimorphic; the male is black with iridescent blue-green patches, while the female is gray-brown and white.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The paradise riflebird is a medium-sized bird, with males averaging about 30 cm (11.8 in) in height and weighing on average 134 to 155 g (4.7 to 5.5 oz). Females are slightly smaller, averaging at 29 cm (11.4 in) and weighing on average 86 to 112 g (3.0 to 3.9 oz). Both sexes have a long, black, decurved bill, black legs, and dark brown iris. The species is sexually dimorphic, with few similarities in plumage between males and females. The adult male is black with an iridescent greenish blue crown, throat, and central tail feathers, as well as iridescent green on the lower breast and flank.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Paradise Riflebird?
- The paradise riflebird is a medium-sized bird, with males averaging about 30 cm (11.8 in) in height and weighing on average 134 to 155 g (4.7 to 5.5 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Paradise Riflebird?
- The Paradise Riflebird is a medium sized bird weighing about 119 g.
- Where can you see a Paradise Riflebird?
- The Paradise Riflebird is endemic to Australia, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Paradise Riflebird?
- The Paradise Riflebird is most easily confused with the Victoria's Riflebird, the Magnificent Riflebird and the Growling Riflebird.
- Is the Paradise Riflebird endangered?
- The Paradise Riflebird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Paradise Riflebird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.