The Great Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) captivates not only with its stunning plumage but also through its enchanting and unique courtship ritual. In Papua’s tropical forests, the males perform spectacular lek dances—more than just a biological process, these displays are a “natural performance” that showcase the wonders of evolution and the power of sexual selection.
A Majestic Dance in the Dry Season
From June and October, during the dry season, lekking activity among Greater Birds-of-Paradise reaches its peak. Every morning before the sun shines brightly, the males choose the tallest trees as their “performance stage.” There, they perform with distinctive movements, spreading and fluttering their long, golden plumes in a dazzling display. Along with their dance, the males call out in loud, distinctive songs that echo through the forest – drawing females while asserting dominance to rival males. Fascinatingly, several males gather at a single lekkking area, turning the forest into a grand arena of competition.
The Female, the True Judge in the Lekking Arena
Female greater birds-of-paradise are highly selective in choosing their mates. They do not simply accept every male that shows off at the lek site. From a distance, the female carefully observes each male’s dance, posture, and shimmering plumage – just like a judge evaluating “best performance.” This courtship can take time, stretching over days or even weeks. Only males with the most captivating dance, well-proportioned bodies, and immaculate, shining feathers stand a chance of being chosen.
Four male great greater birds-of-paradise perch together, each performing their signature dance to attract a mate.
Once she is captivated, the female approaches with calm movements or gives a soft call as a signal of acceptance. Mating is brief, taking place only once in a single encounter. Soon after, the female departs to build her nest and raise the young birds entirely on her own—a striking portrait of independence.
The Fierce Competition in the Lekking Arena
Interestingly, in a single mating season, only a few males actually succeed in finding a mate, while most return home empty-handed. This shows just how intense the competition is in the lekking arena—only males with the finest appearance and the most captivating dances win the female’s heart. The unsuccessful males, however, do not give up. They return to try again in the next season, or even move to another lekking area to seek new opportunities.
A Clever Reproductive Strategy of the Greater Bird-of-Paradise
Research by IPB and TSE Group in 2022 revealed a unique pattern in the mating behavior of the Greater Bird-of-Paradise. Instead of coinciding with the peak of the fruit season, mating actually occurs earlier. This strategy is remarkably clever: by the time the chicks hatch and need abundant food, the fruit trees are already bearing heavily. This natural synchronization ensures the young birds receive sufficient nourishment from the very beginning of their lives, while also illustrating how evolution has shaped a delicate balance between animal behavior and the availability of natural resources.
