Birds of paradise are a group of beautifully plumed birds found in New Guinea and its surrounding islands. Known for their elaborate courtship displays and bright colors, birds of paradise have long fascinated people. But when it comes to their preferred habitat, do these tropical birds like direct sunlight?
Quick Answer
Most birds of paradise do best with some filtered sunlight but generally avoid prolonged direct sunlight in the middle of the day. They tend to be most active in the mornings and afternoons when sunlight is less intense. Their natural forest habitat provides a mix of light and shade.
Birds of Paradise Habitat
Birds of paradise are found in the forests of New Guinea, nearby islands, and northeastern Australia. Their natural habitat is dense tropical and subtropical rainforests up to around 3,300 feet in elevation.
These forests have a canopy layer of tall trees that block much of the sunlight from directly reaching the forest floor. There are also multiple layers of vegetation at different heights that further filter the sunlight.
So while some dappled sunlight does penetrate to ground level, prolonged direct overhead sunlight is rare in their native environment. The birds of paradise habitat is more characterized by an interplay of light and shadows.
Sunlight Preferences
Most birds of paradise appear to prefer filtered sunlight over direct sun. In one study of twelve bird of paradise species in Papua New Guinea, researchers found the majority of birds preferred partially open habitats to forest interior or large light gaps.
The red bird of paradise and magnificent bird of paradise were the only species that showed some preference for interior forest with less light. But overall, the study indicates filtered light is important for birds of paradise.
Activity Patterns
Birds of paradise display activity patterns that avoid the most intense direct sunlight. They are most active in the morning and afternoon when sunlight is less harsh. Around midday when the tropical sun is directly overhead, the birds rest and are less active.
One study in a New Guinea forest found birds of paradise had a bimodal pattern of calling, with peaks of vocal activity in the early morning and late afternoon. Calling dropped off markedly around noon when sunlight was strongest.
Display Sites
Male birds of paradise select specific display sites to perform courtship rituals for females. Many species choose display sites with filtered sunlight, such as forest openings or areas with gaps in the canopy layer.
For example, male King Birds of Paradise often display on branches along watercourses where there is some light. But they avoid large forest gaps with direct overhead sunlight.
Nest Sites
When building nests, birds of paradise may also select sites that avoid too much direct sun exposure. However, specifics can vary between species. Some nest in tree hollows or vine tangles that provide shade and protection.
Other species like the blue bird of paradise nest high up in the rainforest canopy. Their open cup nests are exposed to some sunlight but are also shaded by foliage of the surrounding trees.
Negative Effects of Too Much Sun
There are some drawbacks for birds of paradise if they get too much direct sunlight.
Overheating
Excess sun exposure can lead to overheating. Birds have high metabolisms and produce a lot of internal body heat. Direct sun beating down can push their body temperature to dangerous levels.
Even short periods in direct sun could be risky for birds of paradise. Their dense plumage is likely adapted to moderate forest temperatures and humidity.
Dehydration
Intense sunlight also increases the risk of dehydration. To keep cool, birds pant and this leads to water loss. Without adequate shade and moisture, birds can quickly become dehydrated.
Most birds of paradise stay near water sources like streams and frequent these areas during the heat of day. This gives them access to water for bathing and drinking.
Predation
Direct sun also leaves birds more exposed to potential predators. The dappled light and shadows of filtered forest sunlight provide cover.
In harsh direct sun, the birds have fewer hiding places. Brightly colored males may have difficulty blending into the background surroundings when courting females.
Eye Damage
Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can potentially cause eye damage or vision problems for birds. Thick forest canopy usually shields understory birds from harshest ultraviolet rays.
But in open areas, UV light can damage retinas after extensive exposure. Some UV protection may come from yellow pigments in transparent parts of a bird’s eye.
Benefits of Some Sunlight
While too much direct sun has risks, some access to light also has benefits for birds of paradise.
Vitamin D
Like humans, birds need sun exposure to produce vitamin D. Lack of vitamin D causes problems with bone development and calcium absorption.
Sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis in birds’ skin and feathers. So some sun is good, even if prolonged direct exposure is avoided.
Orientation
Seeing the sun’s orientation in the sky helps birds with navigation and spatial awareness. Light cues help guide birds of paradise to display sites, nest locations, and feeding areas.
Fruit-eating birds like the paradise-crow may use sun patches filtering through canopy openings to locate fruiting trees.
Thermoregulation
Light sun exposure helps birds balance their body temperature. Early morning sun rays can gently warm birds up and get them active after cooler nighttime temperatures.
By contrast, shade cools birds down on hot days. Access to both sun and shade aids thermoregulation.
Predator Detection
Some sunlight may help birds spot potential predators lurking in the shadows. But too much direct sun can create glare that also hinders visibility.
So a mix of light and shadows supports predator detection while also providing hiding spots from threats.
Conclusions
While they avoid prolonged harsh sunlight, birds of paradise do best with access to some filtered and dappled sunlight.
Their forest habitat has an interplay of light gaps and shaded areas. This provides sun exposure for orientation, thermoregulation, and vitamin D while also offering protection from overheating and predators.
Birds of paradise display activity patterns aligned with sunlight intensity. Most species favor bright but filtered light rather than direct overhead sun or deep shade.
By balancing needs for illumination and shelter, birds of paradise thrive in the complex light environment of tropical forests.
