Birding Paradise in Raja Ampat
Few birds fire up the imagination like birds of paradise. Why not head to Indonesia’s Coral Triangle to witness the extraordinary courtship displays of the most beautiful birds on Earth?
The humid rainforests of New Guinea, and a myriad of tropical islands to the west, are a living laboratory demonstrating sexual selection in action, with birds of paradise as the test subjects. Over tens of thousands of years, in isolation from mainland species, the females’ aesthetic choices have driven the evolution of this spectacular group of birds. Our trip to the Raja Ampat and Maluku archipelagos, which pockmark the Halmahera Sea, will give us a ringside seat to view this impressive process in action. While cruising from island to island in the 35-metre sailing yacht Katharina, we watch the sophisticated courtship dances of the elaborately attired males.
We focus on at least three charismatic species which provide the most reliable and accessible lek sites, including the lesser, red and Wilson’s bird of paradise. We also have the chance to see the colourful king bird of paradise and non-lekking glossy-mantled manucode.
With its dazzling array of electric blue, yellow, red and green plumage, not to mention the violet tail feathers that end in delicate curls resembling fancy ironwork, the Wilson’s is perhaps the most spectacular of these, but they're all truly stunning. Unlike most other members of its family, the male Wilson’s bird of paradise displays at ground level, exploiting shafts of light piercing the forest canopy to inflame his bright colours.
Image by Tim Laman
Our tour will feature other natural history highlights of this biodiversity hotspot, where possible wildlife sightings include the magnificent whale shark, the curious Waigeo spotted cuscus, spinner dolphins, hundreds of reef fish, giant birdwing butterflies and various colourful parrots and cockatoos.
Image by Terry Goble
Bird of paradise courtship dances are beautiful and mesmeric for humans to watch. They must be for the females too, who choose their mates based on which of the males have the brightest feathers and the most alluring dance steps. It’s this process, performed and perfected over millions of years, which has rewarded the male with its extraordinary plumage.
Learn more about our Raja Ampat’s Birds of Paradise & Wildlife trip or contact our friendly team.
