The unusual and beautiful Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise (Seleucidis melanoleuca) has a unique plumage. Males stand out with glossy black feathers and bright yellow flanks.

Twelve long, wire-like filaments from their tail are their most distinctive feature, employed in complex mating displays. Females have brown feathers for woodland camouflage and are less bright.

Lowland jungles in New Guinea and its islands are home to this bird. It flourishes in food-rich tropical wetlands, swamp woods, and lowland forests. The Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise perches on towering trees or low branches as males prepare for their stunning courtship rituals.

The Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise is known for its stunning mating performances. In courting, males use their twelve tail wires to rub against the female’s face and conduct complex dances. They are omnivores who eat fruits, insects, and small animals. Although not endangered, habitat loss in New Guinea could threaten their populations.