Pteridophora alberti
King-of-Saxony bird-of-paradise
(Also: King of Saxony bird-of-paradise)

Pteridophora alberti, or King-of-Saxony bird-of-paradise, is native to the rain forest regions of New Guinea. There are two main ranges, which run in a generally south-east line from the Weyland and Snow Mountains eastward to the Bismarck and Kratke Ranges, following the main tectonic division of the island. The larger of the two ranges of P. alberti is located more to the north, and covers much of the Weyland Mountains. The smaller, more circular range sits to the south-east. (Heads, 2002)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise are found exclusively in rain forests in the mountains of New Guinea from 1,500 to 2,750 m above sea level. These birds don’t require pristine forest; P. alberti can survive in lightly disturbed sections of rain forest and forest edges as well. (Frith and Frith, 1997; Heads, 2002)

Pteridophora alberti is a sexually dimorphic species. Mature male King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise are approximately 22 cm long and weigh 80 to 95 g. The head, chest and top of the body are black, with scale-like iridescent feathers on the chest, the underbody is buff-yellow. The wings have large ochre patches formed from the bases and leading edges of the primary feathers. The legs are grey-brown, the bill is black with a bright aqua-green gape. A feather shaft twice as long as the bird’s body (approximately 50 cm) sporting 40 to 50 flag-like structures are rooted behind each eye. These flags are bright blue on top, and red-brown underneath. ("King of Saxony bird of paradise", 2003; Frith and Frith, 1997)

Female P. alberti have off-white underbodies patterned with darker chevrons, while the tops of their bodies are grey-brown in color. There are also immature males that sport female-style plumage. Females weigh 68 to 88 g. (Frith and Frith, 1997)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise may be made up of 3 subspecies: Pteridophora a. alberti,P. a. burgersi, and P. a. hallstromi. The differences between these subspecies are mostly matters of subtle changes in coloration. However, these subspecies descriptions are not universally accepted. (Heads, 2002)

Lifespan for King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise is unknown, but other birds of paradise are known to live up to 30 years in captivity. (Zoological Society of San Diego, 2008)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise are generally solitary birds, other than during mating. Males are likely territorial, yet are known to group closer together than usual during displays, though the closeness of a true lek is not reached. They are diurnal. ("King of Saxony bird of paradise", 2003; Frith and Frith, 1997)

Home Range

There is little information available regarding the home range of Pteridophora alberti at this time. (Zoological Society of San Diego, 2008)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise communicate using mostly vocalizations, body posturing and movements. The male’s song has been described as a radio-static hiss, which increases in tempo and lessens in volume simultaneously. Songs last 4 to 5 seconds, and are repeated at one-minute intervals. Immature males give calls described as noisy descending churrs. Males courting females perform elaborate movements with their occipital plumes during their songs, as well as changing posture to better attract the female’s attention. Females convey interest or disinterest during displays using body posture as well. (Frith and Frith, 1992; Frith and Frith, 1997)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise are mainly frugivores. Approximately 80% of their diet consists of fruit; they tend to favor green fruits, especially false figs above most other fruits. They are also known to eat insects. Adult males forage mainly in the upper canopy, but females and males with female-plumage have been spotted in all levels of forest growth. (Beehler and Pruett-Jones, 1983; Frith and Frith, 1997)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise have no known predators. However, humans have been known to hunt them for their exquisite plumage. Eggs and nestlings may be preyed on by arboreal snakes or other birds. (Sillitoe, 1988; Zoological Society of San Diego, 2008)

The role of King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise in their montane rainforest habitats is not known, but it is likely that they aid in seed dispersal of the fruits they eat. (Diamond, 1986)

Residents who observe birds-of-paradise may be less likely to clear an area for agriculture, which might impact income and production. (Sillitoe, 1988; Zoological Society of San Diego, 2008)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise have been hunted in the past for the striking occipital plumes sported by males, which were used in ladies’ hats in the late 1800’s into the 1930’s, when hunting of all birds-of-paradise was banned by both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. There is currently little ecotourism in this area, but increased awareness of the existence of these birds may lead to more visits by humans in the future. (Diamond, 1986; Zoological Society of San Diego, 2008)

King-of-Saxony birds-of-paradise are not considered a threatened species. Although they are found only in a small range, they are common in that range and most areas it inhabits are not in danger of being severely altered at this time. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2007)

Pteridophora alberti skulls have small depressions behind the occipital cavity to allow for the musculature necessary to control the occipital plumes. (Frith and Frith, 1997)

The Wola people of New Guinea imitate the courtship displays of P. alberti in their ritualistic dances; the Wola also use the occipital plumes in traditional headresses. (Sillitoe, 1988)