Lophorina superba superba

(Forster, 1781)

Vernacular names
English : Greater superb bird-of-paradise
French : Paradisier superbe

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Paradisaeidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known

Identification
Adults grow up to 26 cm in length for a weight of 105 g. Female is brown with dark head and dark-streaked beige belly. Male is velvety black with a long cape of feathers on nape. Iridescent green crown and large breast shield.

Range and habitat
Species occurs in most mountain ranges in New Guinea except Arfak mountains. Subspecies found in western and central mountain ranges up to Sepik river. Lives in montane forests, forest patches, often around ridges, from 1000 to 2300 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is the commonest bird-of-paradise within its altitudinal range in many parts of its range. Vulnerable to deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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