The Australian Rifle bird is one of four birds-of-paradise indigenous to Australia. Its diet is mainly fruit, insects and spiders, and it often searches bark or decaying wood with its long arched bill. Bird watchers primarily know the Rifle Bird for its enchanting, and almost “tango-like” mating dance.
In its breeding season from September to February, males attract females by raising up their rounded wings, swaying from side to side and bobbing up and down. While they do this, they flick their head from the edge of one wing to the edge of the other. They also make a loud single and explosive ‘yah’ call. When they open their bill, their brilliant yellow mouth interior can be seen.
This National Geographic video provides an up close view of the amazing mating dance of the Australian Rifle Bird.
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