Cendrawasih Birds

Cendrawasih is the Indonesian terminology for birds of paradise. There are approximately 43 species of cendrawasih and most of them can be found in rainforest of New Guinea. There are tens of places where visitors can go to watch them. Some of them include Waigeo island, Wondiboy Mountains, Arfak mountains and Tambrauw Mountains. 

Cendrawasih Raja is also called King Bird of Paradise

Cendrawasih Raja (Cicinnurus regius), also called King Bird of Paradise, can be watched in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari. It takes around one hour by car plus 1 hour 30 minutes of hiking to reach birding site. Cendrawasih Raja can also be watched in Klatomok village of Klasow valley. 

Paradigala Ekor Panjang

Paradigala Ekor Panjang (Paradigalla carunculata),  also called Long-tailed Paradigalla, is a bird of paradise whose living area is very limited. It can be found in higher elevation or cloud forest of Arfak mountains. This is an important target among birdwatchers who want to see endemic birds of New Guinea.

Parotia Arfak / Western Parotia (Parotia sefilata)

Parotia Arfak (Parotia sefilata), also called Western Parotia) is another species of Bird of Paradise that lives in cloud forest of Arfak mountains. The male bird dances like a ballerina. This cendrawasih bird has six antennas on his head. 

A Male Parotia Barat/ Western Parotia was performing his courtship dance

Before performing his courtship dance, a male Parotia Arfak pick-up fallen twigs and leaves from his "dancing stage." After that he calls his female partners to the dancing ground. He will do several dancing rehearsals. When the female Parotia Arfak comes, he will immediately perform his dance. It last for several minutes. During a mating season, the dance will be performed several times a day and the whole performance may last for around 1 hour or more.

Lesser Birds of Paradise in West Papua

Cendrawasih Kuning Kecil (Paradisaea minor), also called Lesser Birds of Paradise, live in lowland and lower montane forest of New Guinea. The male one has got yellow, brown, green, and white colours. A male Cendrawasih Kuning Kecil is more beautiful than the female one.