Spectacular tufts of plumes on either flank of the male help to identify the Lesser bird of paradise. In contrast with males of most other bird of paradise species, he does not display alone but with other males. Groups of males gather on bare branches high in the forest trees, to call and arch their plumes invitingly, advertising their presence with loud, staccato notes. Females visit displaying males to mate. After mating, the female nests and rears the young alone. Mature males are solitary, while females and young males forage together in small groups. Both sexes feed on fruits and insects.
Nest: A cup of twigs, tendrils, and leaves, in a small tree.
Distribution: N.W.Guinea; the islands of Misool and Yapen; and extending along N. New Guinea as far west as Huon peninsula.
Reference:
Greensmith, Alan., Harrison, Colin. Birds of the World (Eyewitness Handbooks); The Visual Guide to over 800 Species, Covering the Complete Range of Bird Families.: London, 1993.
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