Naturalist Journeys returns to PNG this July for a Papua New Guinea birding tour, and we couldn’t be more excited! Take a look at some of our favorite Birds-of-Paradise that are a must see on this trip.
Of the 43 known species of Bird-of-Paradise, a whopping 38 of those can be found in Papua New Guinea; brought to light most recently through the Bird-of-Paradise project by Cornell University.
This 14-Day/13-Night Papua New Guinea birding tour with guide Ben Blewitt is set to be a truly exceptional experience, full of once-in-a-lifetime birding opportunities.
Find out which Birds-of-Paradise we are most excited on our Papua New Guinea birding tour below.
Blue Bird-of-Paradise
The Blue Bird-of-Paradise is one of the largest bird-of-paradise species, boasting striking blue wings. During courtship, the male hangs from a branch upside down, and spreads his plume displaying its beautiful violet blue color.
Lawes’s Parotia
Male Lawes’s Parotia woo females by spreading their feathers like a tutu, and the shimmering spot on their breast reflects sunlight for a beautiful display. Just look at those antenna-like feathers!
Lesser Bird-of-Paradise
Not to be confused with the Greater Bird-of-Paradise, the Lesser Bird-of-Paradise is a vocal beauty with plumes to match!
Magnificent Riflebird
The Magnificent Riflebird has a distinct call that sounds very much like the wolf whistle used by humans. A large bird, with large vocals and an impressive arched-wing display.
Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise
Big, bright, and beautiful! The male attempts to outperform other males when attracting females. As a result it will perform a peculiar dance, in which it raises its wings and shakes its head to gather enough attention to impress.
Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise
It takes 7 years for a male Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise to develop its full plumage—totally worth it. The twelve wires are used in courtship displays, brushing them in a female’s face!
Bonus Birds!
Two bird species that are certainly a favorite on the Papua New Guinea birding tour.
Northern Cassowary
With its distinct Casque on the top of the head, the Northern Cassowary is a large, flightless bird, that can reach ground speeds of nearly 30 miles per hour.
Palm Cockatoo
The drumming bird! Male Palm Cockatoos break off sticks from branches and perform a drumming motion to impress females. After drumming, it will strip down the tool into small pieces for the nest.
Naturalist Journeys‘ guide Ben Blewitt is leading our return tour to Papua New Guinea this July. Find all the details for our Papua New Guinea: Bucket List Birding tour, June 29 – July 12, 2020 here. Priced at $9350 per person, based on double occupancy.
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Read the full itinerary here.
Bonus Bird: Sandhill Crane
