A small, colorful bird of paradise about twenty-six cm in length. It is native to remote areas of New Guinea, such as the Wahgi Valley. It subsists off of a diet of fruit (such as yellow figs), and many types of insects.

The Lophorina superba can be located in the mid-mountains and upland forests of New Guinea, specifically at elevations from 4200 to 7300 feet, and occasionally down at 3200 feet. [1]

Adult Male: The adult male is a black bird that has an enormous cape of feathers protruding from the hind crown as well as a large iridescent chest plate. Specifically, they are a dull black color, but has a central pair or rectrices of a velvet black color, glossed over with a violet purple. Their plumes can be as large as 130 mm. long and cover the back of the bird in an umbrella like manner. The cape of this adult male bird is a velvet black color with bronze reflections and is folded over the back. At the base of the maxilla (upper jaw), forehead, lores and chin, glossed purplish; are a tuft of feathers that are an iridescent oil green. The upper breast of the bird is large and erect, having an iridescent oil green shield. In other lighting, the breast can reflect off as a purplish color. The rest of the adult male is a dull black color. The Iris is black. The bill and feet are both black. The interior of the mouth is a lime yellow color.

Adult Female: The Adult female Lophorina superba is very different from the the adult male. The female bird generally has a deep reddish-brown or greyish-brown color of it's upperparts. The crown, sides and neck are black while some females posses a greyish-brown head with white spots on the forehead. They also have whitish streaks coming extending backwards over the ears. In another variation of the adult female; The wings and tail are dark brown with the outer edges being a chestnut color. Its underparts are grey usually lined with buff, narrow and blackish bars. The iris a dark brown. The bill is black; The feet are dark grey. The interior of the mouth is a pale greenish yellow color. [3]

Average size- 26 cm [2]

Lophorina is a monotypic genus, which means it is the only species in its genus. [1]

Systems

• Terrestrial

Lophorina superba lives in mid to high altitude mountain forests. Tend to display and sing high and trees, but often forage for insects near the forest floor, hunting arthropods. [2]

Lives throughout upland forests of New Guinea. Highly territorial males, with mated females living within territory. [2]

This particular bird is an omnivorous secondary predator and consumer. It is characterized as primarily insectivorous, but supplements its diet with fruit, notably yellow figs. [2]

Lopherina superba, as well as many other birds of it's family, is well known for its extravagant mating displays. The males perform a number of stunning displays used to catch the attention of females. These displays utilize unique and extravagant feathers and "dancing" to catch the attention of potential mates. [1]

Is a species of Least Concern, due to its widespread and relatively common/stable population (IUCN Red List).

This particular bird resides in less accessible areas, which makes it less vulnerable to poaching. [4]

Population

Stable population, widespread and relatively common. (IUCN Red List)

Has in the past been poached for the exotic animal trade, and is traditionally used in the costumes of native people. [4]

Specimens often found in exotic animal trade. [4]

This organism plays a role in the control of insect populations and the spread of fruit seeds. [3]