# Red bird-of-paradise

> A forest bird of Raja Ampat whose males carry red plumes and two long tail ribbons. Its striking displays connect birdwatching with forest conservation.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/red-bird-of-paradise/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/cenderawasih-merah/
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**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

The red bird-of-paradise (*Paradisaea rubra*) is a bird in the family Paradisaeidae. Range in Indonesia: Raja Ampat islands, including Waigeo and Batanta. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Raja Ampat, including Waigeo and Batanta. Diet: fruit and arthropods; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Paradisaea rubra* |
| Indonesian name | Cenderawasih merah |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Paradisaeidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Raja Ampat islands, including Waigeo and Batanta |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Diet | Fruit and arthropods |
| Habitat | Lowland and hill forest |
| Range | Restricted to part of the Raja Ampat archipelago |
| IUCN status | Near Threatened · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2494858) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 450 |
| Islands | Endemic to Waigeo, Batanta, Gam (Gemien) and Saonek in Raja Ampat · [BirdLife International DataZone — Red Bird-of-paradise species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-bird-of-paradise-paradisaea-rubra) |
| Elevation | Lowland and hill forest up to 600 m above sea level · [BirdLife International DataZone — Red Bird-of-paradise species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-bird-of-paradise-paradisaea-rubra) |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — fruit and arthropods (e.g. insects) · [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Raja Ampat, including Waigeo and Batanta · [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/) |

## Recognising males and females

Males have red display plumes, a greenish face, and a pair of long ribbon-like tail feathers. Females lack the same ornamental appearance. A photograph of a displaying male therefore does not represent every individual. Note shape, colour, behaviour, and general location when learning to recognise the bird.

Evidence: [Cornell Lab eBird — Red bird-of-paradise identification](https://ebird.org/species/rbopar2)

## A restricted island range

Red birds-of-paradise have a restricted native range in Raja Ampat, including Waigeo and Batanta. They do not occur throughout Papua or Indonesia. Read habitat descriptions alongside distribution; a seemingly suitable forest on another island is not evidence that this species lives there.

Evidence: [Australian Museum — Red bird of paradise (2019)](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/)

## Displays are natural behaviour

Males display at shared locations called leks to attract females. Movement and ornamental feathers form part of reproductive behaviour. Visitors should watch from places indicated by guides; chasing a camera angle or asking for birds to be lured can change conditions at an important site.

Evidence: [Australian Museum — Red bird of paradise (2019)](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/) · [American Birding Association — Code of Birding Ethics](https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/)

## The forest behind the food

Fruit and arthropods are part of its diet. The rainforest guide places the bird within a wider network of plants and animals. A close-up photograph highlights plumage, but conservation requires attention to trees, feeding areas, and the continuity of the surrounding landscape as well.

Evidence: [Australian Museum — Red bird of paradise (2019)](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/)

## Observe with local knowledge

Plan visits with local guides who explain site rules and how the activity benefits communities. Remain quiet, stay on paths, and follow management restrictions. Useful observation notes distinguish what was actually seen from an inference, without requiring public disclosure of precise lek locations.

Evidence: [American Birding Association — Code of Birding Ethics](https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/) · [Cornell Lab — From birds to forests](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/conservation-media/from-birds-to-forests-a-decades-long-effort-to-protect-the-worlds-third-largest-rainforest-2/)

## Read sources and support forests

Cornell’s programme connects birds-of-paradise documentation with attention to Papuan forests. This guide follows an approach of learning about habitat rather than simply collecting species photographs. The Australian Museum account updated in 2019 lists Near Threatened and relates its vulnerability to a restricted range and habitat loss. This dated account is not a new population survey; consult the original conservation assessment and its date before quoting a category or trend as current.

Evidence: [Cornell Lab — From birds to forests](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/conservation-media/from-birds-to-forests-a-decades-long-effort-to-protect-the-worlds-third-largest-rainforest-2/) · [Australian Museum — Red bird of paradise (2019)](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/)

## Scientific classification of the Red bird-of-paradise

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paradisaeidae |
| Genus | *Paradisaea* |
| Species | *Paradisaea rubra* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the red bird-of-paradise

### What is the scientific name of the red bird-of-paradise?

The scientific name of the red bird-of-paradise is *Paradisaea rubra*, in the family Paradisaeidae. In Indonesian it is called Cenderawasih merah.

### What kind of animal is the red bird-of-paradise?

The red bird-of-paradise is a bird in the family Paradisaeidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a fruit and arthropods (e.g. insects). It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the red bird-of-paradise live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the red bird-of-paradise in: Raja Ampat islands, including Waigeo and Batanta.

The red bird-of-paradise is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Raja Ampat, including Waigeo and Batanta. Source: [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/).

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### What does the red bird-of-paradise eat?

Diet of the red bird-of-paradise: fruit and arthropods. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/).

### How does the red bird-of-paradise reproduce?

The red bird-of-paradise reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the red bird-of-paradise nocturnal?

The cited source records the red bird-of-paradise as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the red bird-of-paradise?

Scientific classification of the red bird-of-paradise: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Paradisaeidae, genus *Paradisaea*, species *Paradisaea rubra*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the red bird-of-paradise endangered?

Not yet in a threatened category, but close to one. On the IUCN Red List, the red bird-of-paradise is listed as Near Threatened: it is close to qualifying, or likely to qualify, for a threatened category in the near future. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2494858), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the red bird-of-paradise protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the red bird-of-paradise protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The red bird-of-paradise (*Paradisaea rubra*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 450).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the red bird-of-paradise be kept as a pet?

No. Because the red bird-of-paradise is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [Cornell Lab eBird — Red bird-of-paradise identification](https://ebird.org/species/rbopar2)
2. [Australian Museum — Red bird of paradise (2019)](https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/red-bird-of-paradise/)
3. [American Birding Association — Code of Birding Ethics](https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/)
4. [Cornell Lab — From birds to forests](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/conservation-media/from-birds-to-forests-a-decades-long-effort-to-protect-the-worlds-third-largest-rainforest-2/)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [BirdLife International DataZone — Red Bird-of-paradise species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-bird-of-paradise-paradisaea-rubra)
7. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
8. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)
- [Bali myna](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bali-myna/)
- [Volunteering for Animals](https://panduanhewan.org/en/guides/volunteering-for-animals/)
- [Reporting Suspected Wildlife Trafficking](https://panduanhewan.org/en/emergency/report-wildlife-trade/)
- [Southern cassowary](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/southern-cassowary/)
- [Greater bird-of-paradise](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/greater-bird-of-paradise/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Red bird-of-paradise. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/red-bird-of-paradise/