The bird of heaven, also known as the bird of paradise, refers to a family of birds native to New Guinea and its surrounding islands. Known for their bright plumage and elaborate courtship displays, birds of paradise have long captured the human imagination and are considered by many to be among the most beautiful birds in the world.
But with around 40 different species of birds of paradise, it can be difficult to determine exactly which one holds the distinction of being the “true” bird of heaven. This article will explore some of the leading candidates for the bird of heaven title and examine what makes each species unique.
The King Bird-of-Paradise
One of the top contenders for the bird of heaven title is the magnificent King bird-of-paradise. The scientific name for this species is Cicinnurus regius. The King bird-of-paradise is the largest species in the family, growing up to 43 cm long. It lives in the forest canopy in New Guinea’s lowland and hill forests.
The male King bird-of-paradise has a glossy red back and breast shield along with a dark green throat wattle. But the bird’s most striking feature is its pair of long, curled black tail wires that extend well beyond the body. During mating displays, the male spreads and vibrates these wires while dancing and calling to attract females.
The “kingly” name for this species comes from the two long black tail wires that early explorers thought resembled a king’s cape. The regal appearance and elaborate courtship ritual of the male King bird-of-paradise make it a top choice for the “bird of heaven” moniker.
The Greater Bird-of-Paradise
Another candidate for the title of bird of heaven is the Greater bird-of-paradise. Its scientific name is Paradisaea apoda. Native to lowland rainforests and swamp forests in New Guinea, the Greater bird-of-paradise is one of the largest species, measuring up to 43 cm long.
The male has a bright emerald green throat, yellow crown curls, and a maroon and gold cape that it uses in courtship displays. One of the Greater bird-of-paradise’s most striking features is its pair of long, ribbon-like flank plumes that drape from beneath its wings. These flank plumes can grow to over 50 cm long, more than the length of the bird’s body.
When courting females, the male Greater bird-of-paradise makes elaborate displays, puffing up his breast, fanning his cape, and swaying his flank plumes in an intricate dance. The stunning plumage and graceful displays help explain why some consider this to be the definitive “bird of heaven.”
Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise
Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, scientifically called Cicinnurus respublica, is another candidate for the bird of heaven title. A relatively large species that grows up to around 38 cm long, Wilson’s bird-of-paradise inhabits rainforests across much of New Guinea.
The male has a red back and black tail wires similar to the King bird-of-paradise. But Wilson’s is distinguished by its bald, bright blue head, which contrasts vividly with its black body plumage. During courtship displays, the male turns his back, fans his tail wires, and rapidly oscillates his head side-to-side to show off this colorful patch.
The blue crown paired with the long black tail wires give Wilson’s bird-of-paradise an otherworldly, almost sci-fi appearance. Many consider its bizarre and beautiful displays to be heavenly, earning Wilson’s a place among the top contenders for the bird of paradise title.
The Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise
With a dozen long, wispy tail wires extending from its body, the Twelve-wired bird-of-paradise certainly has a claim to being the most “heavenly” species. Its scientific name is Seleucidis melanoleucus. This unique bird inhabits the rainforests of New Guinea.
Aptly named for its twelve elongated black tail wires, the Twelve-wired bird-of-paradise uses these wires in spectacular courtship dances. The male bird spreads his tail wires into a shimmering fan shape, repeatedly opening and closing them while hopping about frenetically for the female.
The thin, feathered wires ripple through the air elegantly behind the dancing male. When combined with the male’s shiny blue-green breast shield, the overall effect is mesmerizing and angelic. The Twelve-wired bird-of-paradise certainly possesses heavenly plumage, cementing its status as a top bird of paradise.
The Red Bird-of-Paradise
With its brilliant crimson plumage, the Red bird-of-paradise makes a fiery and dramatic claim to the title of bird of heaven. Its scientific name is Paradisaea rubra. Inhabiting rainforests in the coastal lowlands and hill forests of New Guinea, this species grows up to around 33 cm long.
True to its name, the male Red bird-of-paradise sports a dazzling mantle of bright red feathers that covers his head, back, breast, and underparts. He also has long flank plumes that form a wispy, feathered cape over his body.
When performing courtship displays, the male Red bird-of-paradise shimmies and shakes to fully exhibit his red cape and flank plumes for potential mates. The vivid crimson plumage seems to smolder against the green forest backdrop, giving the Red bird-of-paradise an intensely beautiful, fiery appearance.
Comparison of the Top Birds of Paradise
To summarize, here is an overview comparing some key traits of the top contenders for the title of bird of heaven:
Species | Key Features |
---|---|
King bird-of-paradise | Long black cape-like tail wires, red back and breast shield, elaborate dances |
Greater bird-of-paradise | Long flank plumes, yellow crown curls, maroon and green cape |
Wilson’s bird-of-paradise | Bald blue crown, black plumage, rapid head-shaking displays |
Twelve-wired bird-of-paradise | Twelve thin, wire-like tail plumes, blue-green breast shield |
Red bird-of-paradise | Brilliant red plumage covering body, wispy flank plumes |
As this table illustrates, birds of paradise have tremendously diverse plumage and courtship behaviors that all contribute to their heavenly mystique. Each species makes a compelling case for being the definitive bird of paradise.
Conclusion
In the end, while there are many worthy candidates, the Greater bird-of-paradise may have the strongest overall claim to being the true “bird of heaven.” Its unparalleled combination of size, elegant flank plumes, bright facial plumes, and elaborate courtship dancing give it an angelic beauty that arguably tops all other contenders.
But beauty is subjective, and part of what makes birds of paradise so astonishing is their incredible diversity. Each species offers its own interpretation of avian perfection. Whether it is the King bird-of-paradise’s regal airs, the Twelve-wired’s ethereal plumage, the Red bird-of-paradise’s fire, or the virtuoso performances by Wilson’s and many others, all birds of paradise embody a divine tropical elegance that captures the human imagination.
So while the Greater bird-of-paradise stands out as the likely “bird of heaven,” appreciating the full diversity and splendor of all birds of paradise is the truest way to experience these heavenly creatures. Their dazzling beauty is a testament to nature’s endless creativity.