What Is the Life Cycle of a Bird of Paradise?

Birds of paradise display brilliantly colored plumage.

Over 42 species of birds of paradise (family Paradisaeidae) can be found in New Guinea and nearby islands. The birds of paradise are known primarily for the males' brightly colored plumage.

Youth

When hatched, young birds of paradise are helpless. They cannot stand or walk and have few, if any, feathers. They are fed by the adult female until their eyes open in about a week and feathers develop in two to three weeks. Chicks remain in the nests for about three weeks. It is unknown if they receive any aid from the adult birds after this time.

Females

The females of the species are predominantly a dull-brown color. They develop sexually at 2 years old and may produce one brood of one or two chicks a year.

Males

The males require about five years to mature and develop their plumage. Although males also mature sexually at 2 years old, they are unlikely to mate before their plumage matures.

Mating

The male's plumage plays a central role in the mating rituals of the birds of paradise. Most of the species put on a courting display for the females that involves clearing an open court, displaying plumage and vocalizing.

Life Expectancy

Birds of paradise are long-lived birds. They live 15 to 25 years and have few natural predators.

References

• National Geographic: Animals
• Earthlife.net: Birds

Resources

• TheBirdsofParadise.org