Bird guideParadise Riflebird

These specialized feathers are found adjacent to brightly colored patches, suggesting that they help create optical illusions during courtship displays by exaggerating the bright colors they are juxtaposed to.

⚠️Not listed
🌿Endemic to Australia

At a glance

FamilyBirds-of-Paradise
SizeMedium
RarityUncommon
HabitatInhabits rainforest and nearby drier forest of southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from October to November.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Marc Anderson

Range map

Range map

302visible hotspots
14707visible records
2states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Male almost completely black, with green and blue metallic sheen on belly, throat, and crown. Female brown above, pale below, with an intricate scaly pattern on chest and belly and a pale eyebrow. Call a loud, explosive hiss.

Behavior

Inhabits rainforest and nearby drier forest of southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. Males display from a prominent branch, holding both wings high above their heads.

Regional timing

New South Wales
Peak: October to November3,815 records
Queensland
Peak: October to November10,892 records
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