Blue bird-of-paradise  (Paradisaea rudolphi)

The blue bird-of-paradise is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1), and listed on Appendix II of CITES (3).

Birds-of-paradise are one of the most spectacular and colourful groups of birds in the world, and the blue bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea rudolphi) with its stunning plumage is no exception. The blue bird-of-paradise has blue feathers on its wings, back and tail; the bill is ivory in colour and there is a white ring around the eyes (2). Male blue birds-of-paradise also have fine blue tail plumes with two delicate, long streamers, while, in contrast to the dark males, females have chestnut underparts (2). During their mating display, males will give a rhythmic 'wahr...wahr...' call (2).

Endemic to Papua New Guinea, the blue bird-of-paradise is found to the east of the Central Ranges (2).

The blue bird-of-paradise inhabits tropical and subtropical moist forest (1), usually between 1,400 and 1,800 metres above sea level (2).

Birds-of-paradise use their spectacular plumage in displays to attract mates (4). Males compete in what is known as a lekking system, where they each have their own small display ground (known as a 'lek') from which to impress passing females. In part of their display, males reveal the full extent of their magnificent plumage by hanging upside down in trees and spreading their wings, whilst giving a humming call (2).

The blue bird-of-paradise is mainly found in the canopy of the forest, where the majority of its diet is composed of fruit (2).

Habitat loss is the most important threat to the survival of the blue bird-of-paradise. Much of the native forests of Papua New Guinea are being cleared to make way for agriculture and development (2) and it is likely that the already small population of the blue bird-of-paradise will become increasingly fragmented (1). The colourful feathers of these birds have traditionally been in demand and the species continues to be targeted by hunters (2).

The blue bird-of-paradise is protected by law in Papua New Guinea (1) and international trade is restricted by its listing on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3). More research into the distribution of these beautiful birds is required in order to accurately gauge the risk currently facing their population (1).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For more on the blue bird-of-paradise see:

• BirdLife International:
  http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=5846
• BBC Wildlife Finder - Blue bird of paradise:
  http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/species/Blue_Bird_of_Paradise