This is the picture of Long-tailed Paradigala (Paradigalla carunculata) which I saw in Arfak range several months ago. This bird of paradise landed on the red pandanus fruit that had been placed by villagers in front of a blind to attract such birds as Western Parotia, Superb Bird of Paradise, Black Sicklebill and Magnificent Bird of Paradise.
The birding site itself was called Mount Soyti located above the Lorikeet Guesthouse. It was in the territory of Kwau village in Mokwam region.
Long-tailed Paradigalla |
This Long-tailed Paradigalla came to the fruit in the morning time and stayed on it for several minutes. I was with an American tourist, Paige, waiting for the Western Parotia to land on his dancing ground and perform his "ballet dance performance". We spent around 4 days/ 3 nights exploring the rainforest to see birds, butterflies, and colorful flowers.
We were very surprized to see this Paradigalla bird. We had never seen this paradise bird before. It was our lucky day. I made several pictures of the bird.
Birdwing Butterfly Ornithoptera titonus and Rhododendron flowers |
I hope that I will be able to see the bird and the flowers, and the butterfly again in the future when I return to Arfak mountains.