Superb Bird of Paradise

Common name

Superb Bird of Paradise

Scientific name

Lophorina superba

Etymology

Lophorina (Greek, crested nose, referring to feathers at base of upper bill); superba (Latin, superb).

Description

Sexually dimorphic. Adult male averages 26 cm long, female, 25 cm. Adult male jet black with iridescent crown and blue breast shield; cape of elongated nape feathers fans out symmetrically when raised. Female has blackish-brown head with pale mottled stripe running across forehead, above eyes and around nape; underparts are light brown with heavy darker barring.

Diet

Fruit and arthropods.

Habitat

Mid to upper montane forests, disturbed forests and patches in gardens and other cleared areas; 1000-2300 m, mainly 1650-1900m.

Courtship

Polygynous. Solitary males dispersed across forest during peak season (August-January). Territorial around traditional perches. Courtship involves crouching, repeated displaying of breast shield and exaggerated downward movement to show crown to female. During high intensity display, male also fans nape cape, forming semicircle over head and around breast shield, while hopping around female.

Breeding

Breeding recorded all months of the year. Females build and attend to the nest alone. Incubation about 18-19 days; nestling period 18 days. Hybridisation known with Long-tailed Paradigalla, Western and Carola’s Parotias, Black Sicklebill and Magnificent Riflebird.

Status and conservation

Not globally threatened; locally common.

Distribution

New Guinea: Central mountains, Vogelkop and Huon Peninsulas, Adelbert and Hunstein Mountains, and Mount Bosavi