In search of Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise are arguably the most beautiful birds to be found on this planet. Their colorful plumage and exotic calls combine with their rarity to make them utterly magical. The Victorian scientist and fellow of Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, said of the birds: “Nature seems to have taken every precaution that these, her choicest treasures, may not lose value by being too easily obtained.” If you’re wondering where to see birds of paradise, it’s important to travel to their habitat with patience and an open mind (without the expectation of spotting them every time) and simply enjoy the stunning areas they inhabit.

But you should never give up hope! BBC journalist Frank Gardner pursued his dream of seeing the birds in the wild despite being wheelchair-bound and Cornell University professor Ed Scholes traveled into the wild with photographer Tim Laman, their goal being to document every single bird of paradise. Both succeeded despite many obstacles, and provided you are willing to spend quite a bit of time looking, you will too.

To be in with a good chance, expect to hike for several hours along overgrown rainforest paths, fording bridgeless rivers and all the while wondering how on earth the Victorian naturalists like Wallace managed it when they came in their starched shirts and tightly laced leather boots all those years ago. If you would like to plan a trip with the chance of seeing them, or at least hearing their call echo through the canopy, then here are the best places to find them.

Facts about Birds of Paradise

Before we explore the best places to see birds of paradise in the world, it’s worth gaining a bit more knowledge about these stunning and photogenic birds. Endemic to Australasia, these bold birds are found more specifically in New Guinea, Indonesia, and parts of Australia. Because they’re tropical birds, they inhabit wetter areas like rainforests, swamps, and coastal mangroves, where their favorite food sources, fruit and arthropods, are abundant.

Apart from their bold coloring, birds of paradise are typically odd looking, yet beautiful – especially the males. Males have elaborate feathers used during courtship displays, but sometimes the feathers are so flamboyant and large that they interfere with flying. These incredible iridescent plumage colors on a male are put on full show during their complex courtship dances, alongside some rather unique vocalizations. It takes about seven years for male birds of paradise to mature and develop their full plumage – brightly colored animals tend to attract predators, which is risky when wildlife is younger. Needless to say, the male birds of paradise are very dramatic in looks and behavior! 

Because of their rapid decline in numbers, spotting these birds in the wild is an absolute reward. The people of New Guinea used to use the feathers in traditional dress and rituals, which meant certain species become endangered because of hunting.  Here’s our list of the best places to see birds of paradise!

1. West Papua

The lush forests that coat West Papua (Indonesia) are home to an enormous array of birdlife – enormous, pre-historic looking cassowaries, New Guinea Eagles with their haunting cries and exotically crowned pigeons that explode from the undergrowth when you’re least expecting them. But of course, every birdwatcher that travels here hopes beyond hope to catch a glimpse of the breath-taking birds of paradise. It is here that you are most likely to see the Magnificent bird of paradise as it dances with its bright, curling tail feathers. The males of this species are a colourful mix of yellow, green and blue while the females are typically dull in colour. If you are incredibly lucky, you might catch one fellow clearing up a little before commencing his elaborate dance in an effort to win a mate. 

You could also chance upon the Wilson’s bird of paradise, which are endemic to West Papua. You would struggle to miss it, with the Bauhaus-esque colouring all along its back and its magnificent spiralling tail feathers (like the most elaborately curled moustache).

2. Papua New Guinea

Of the 43 known species of bird of paradise, an astounding 38 can be found in the forests of Papua New Guinea. Naturally, this means that bird enthusiasts flock to the area, desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of a Twelve-wired bird of paradise, or perhaps a crowned Victoria Pigeon. Head towards Tari Valley, which is not only home to a vast array of flora and fauna (and definitely a bird of paradise or two), but also the famous Huli Wigmen. They are known for their spectacular headdresses and their dances are all based on the mating ritual of birds of paradise – the next best thing to seeing the birds themselves!

3. Eastern Australia

There aren’t many varieties of birds of paradise to be found in Australia, but it is still worth a visit if you want to see them but Papua New Guinea seems a little too remote and wild. To see the Paradise Riflebird, head to the subtropical forests of the Australian Great Dividing Range, south from Rockhampton, Queensland, to just north of Newcastle in New South Wales. 

Alternatively, venture to north-eastern Queensland to see the Victoria Riflebird. Both of these beautiful varieties were named for their colouring, the jet-black plumage with dashes of iridescent green, blue and bronze being similar to that of the British riflemen. More specifically, these are the top parks to visit to see Birds of Paradise in Eastern Australia:

Iron Range National Park: otherwise known as Kutini-Payamu, is a coastal park providing a stronghold for bird species also found in New Guinea and is also home to the largest expanse of lowland rainforest in Australia. This park offers incredible views of beaches and the Tozer Range. The two top birds of paradise species to spot include the glossy black Trumpet Manucode with a trumpeting call and the intensely beautiful Riflebird with velvet black feathers and a bright turquoise breast shield.

Daintree Rainforest & Atherton Tablelands: situated in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, Daintree Rainforest & Atherton Tablelands is carpeted with verdant rainforests, waterfalls and craters; providing the ideal habitat for Birds of Paradise and other wildlife to thrive. You can spot other birds like the azure kingfisher, tooth-billed bowerbird, and the elusive Victoria’s Riflebird.

Something to remember…

If you’re seeking the ultimate expedition where you tick off as many birds of paradise as possible, you’ll need to perfect your timing. When visiting known birding hotspots, try to first thing in the morning when they’re most active. You’ll hear their shrill call before spotting them. And if its elaborate courtship displays you’re interested in seeing, then visit during the breeding season from August to December and hire an expert birding guide. 

Make it happen

If you’re ready to venture into the wild seeking the elusive and breathtaking Birds of Paradise, look no further. Our local experts specialize in crafting personalized itineraries tailored to your interests, whether it’s birdwatching, nature photography, or cultural exploration. Want to know where to see birds of paradise on your next adventure? Get in touch today to start planning a journey filled with unforgettable sights and magical moments.