Display of Loria’s Bird of Paradise

At 10:15 on 11 October 1987 a displaying male Loria’s Bird of Paradise Cnemophilus loriae was observed briefly in the grounds of Ambua Lodge, Tari, Southern Highlands Province at c.2200m. Our attention was drawn to the displaying bird by a regular clicking noise. We could not at the time decide whether the click was a call or bill snapping. [It was probably the latter since a male bird which was recently (13 June 1988) mist-netted at Myola, Oro Province clicked its bill softly while puffing out its white cheek pouches while it was being handled]. The male bird hung upside down, about 6m off the ground, but below the canopy. He quivered with his wings half open. This display was observed for less than 10 seconds, after which the bird flew off to feed. Although this observation is of such short duration we present it here because, as far as we know, the display of Loria’s Bird of Paradise is undescribed.

First published in Muruk 3(2): 52,co-authored with Jenny Hicks.