The Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleucus) is one of the most fascinating birds in the world. Known for its twelve long, wire-like feathers, this unique bird captivates bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Found in the lowland forests of New Guinea and the nearby Salawati Island, it is famous for its bright yellow plumage, elaborate courtship displays, and distinct mating rituals.
This article explores everything you need to know about this bird, from its appearance and behavior to its role in the ecosystem and conservation efforts.
1. Why Is It Called “Twelve-Wired”?
The name Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise comes from the twelve long, black, wire-like feathers that extend from the male’s bright yellow flanks. These unique feathers do not serve a functional purpose like flight feathers but are instead used for courtship displays. The male brushes these wires against the female’s face as part of an elaborate dance to attract a mate. This display is unlike anything seen in most birds, making it one of the most intriguing courtship rituals in the avian world.
2. Male vs. Female: Striking Sexual Dimorphism
Males and females of this species look very different, a phenomenon known as sexual dimorphism.
Males are brightly colored, with velvety black heads and upper bodies, vibrant yellow breast and flanks, and twelve wiry plumes extending from their flanks. They also have bright pink legs and feet, adding another unique feature to their appearance.
Females, on the other hand, are much duller in color, with brown and buff-colored feathers, allowing them to blend into their forest surroundings. This helps them avoid predators while nesting.
The male’s vivid colors and wire-like feathers are essential for attracting mates, while the female’s camouflaged appearance is crucial for protecting her eggs and young.
3. A Courtship Dance Like No Other
One of the most spectacular behaviors of this bird is its courtship display. To attract a female, the male perches on a high branch, fluffs out his bright yellow feathers, and rhythmically waves his twelve wire-like plumes while making a series of soft, buzzing sounds.
When a female approaches, the male moves closer and gently brushes his wires against her face and body in a synchronized movement. If the female is impressed by the performance, she will mate with the male. However, if she is not, she simply flies away, and the male must continue his displays until he finds a willing partner.
4. Where Does It Live?
The Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise prefers lowland and swampy forests. Unlike many birds-of-paradise that thrive in high-altitude forests, this species is found at lower elevations, often near rivers and wetlands.
Their range includes:
New Guinea (both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua)
Salawati Island (off the coast of New Guinea)
These birds prefer dense forests, where they can easily find food and safe perches for their courtship displays.
5. A Diverse Diet: More Than Just Fruit
This species is omnivorous, meaning it eats both plant and animal matter. Its diet includes:
- Fruits and berries (its primary food source)
- Insects and arthropods
- Small frogs
- Nectar from flowers
The frugivorous nature of these birds plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to regenerate the rainforest ecosystem. By eating fruit and later excreting the seeds, they contribute to forest growth and biodiversity.
6. A Solitary Life
Unlike some birds that travel in flocks, the Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise prefers a solitary lifestyle. Males and females only come together during the breeding season, and after mating, the female is left to raise the young on her own.
Males establish and defend territories, often choosing a high perch to display from, where they can be seen by potential mates.
7. A Unique Place in Taxonomy
This species is the only member of the genus Seleucidis, making it truly one of a kind! The genus name comes from the Greek word meaning “locust-eating bird”, though this bird doesn’t actually eat locusts.
Its species name, melanoleucus, means “black and white”, describing the bird’s striking color contrast.
8. Mating and Nesting: A Female’s Job
After the male performs his dramatic courtship display, the female is the one who chooses a mate. Once mating occurs, the male does not participate in raising the chicks.
The female builds the nest alone, usually in a hidden location among dense vegetation to protect it from predators. She incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks without any help from the male.
9. Not Yet Endangered, But at Risk
This species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it faces threats such as:
Deforestation (due to logging and agriculture)
Hunting (for its decorative feathers)
Habitat destruction (due to human activity)
Although its population is stable for now, conservation efforts are needed to prevent it from becoming endangered in the future.
10. Difficult to Breed in Captivity
Unlike some birds that can be successfully bred in zoos, the Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise is extremely difficult to breed in captivity. The first successful captive breeding occurred at Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park in 2001, marking a major achievement in avian conservation.
11. It Helps Keep the Forest Healthy
By consuming large amounts of fruit, this bird helps spread seeds throughout the rainforest, ensuring the growth of new plants and maintaining biodiversity. This makes the Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise an important ecological contributor in its habitat.
12. A Name Inspired by Its Appearance
The common name “Twelve-Wired Bird-of-Paradise” comes from the twelve wire-like feathers that make it stand out among other birds-of-paradise. These wires serve no practical purpose other than being used in elaborate courtship displays.
FAQs
Why do males have wire-like feathers?
These feathers are used in courtship displays, where males brush them against females to attract a mate.
Do these birds migrate?
No, they are resident birds that stay in the same area year-round.
What are their biggest threats?
Deforestation and hunting for their feathers are the main threats to their survival.
Can these birds be kept as pets?
No, they are wild birds that require specific environments to survive.
What sounds do they make?
They produce soft buzzing and mechanical-like sounds during their displays.
