Meet The Lesser Bird Of Paradise - A Magnificent Species Covered In Gold And Emerald Green

Have you ever seen the lesser bird of paradise? I'm not sure why it has the word "lesser" because when you take one look at it, you'll fall in love and would be mesmerized by its beauty!

Scientifically known as Paradisaea minor, these 32cm long birds are mostly found in Papua New Guinea, Misool and Yapen. Male birds have deep maroon feathers, a bright yellow crown, a frost blue beak, and a buff upper back.

Their throats are stunning emerald-green and, to add to their beauty, a pair of long-tail wires and elongated flank plumes complete their look. The females, on the other hand, have deep maroon feathers, a brown head, and a pearly white belly.

Young birds, regardless of gender, look more like females than males. The lesser birds of paradise prefer to stay in rainforests and swamp forests for the humidity and ample food supply.

Although they can easily adapt and adjust to different environments, they prefer to be at altitudes of 1,550 meters. Their diet is mainly composed of fruits and arthropods.

When it comes to breeding, the season starts in July and ends in February. The male bird woos the female by putting up the best display and if the female bird is impressed she begins building a strong nest from sticks, twigs, fallen leaves, and vines.

The nest is placed about six meters from the ground and is fastened to the tree using plant fibers and rootles. The female then lays 1-2 eggs, incubates them for about 20 days, and cares for the young after they hatch.

Females are known to lay up to 12 eggs, and being the one-woman-army, she alone cares for her young. Here are more facts about the stunning lesser bird-of-paradise!