The species is sexually dimorphic; the male is black with iridescent blue-green patches, while the female is gray-brown and white.

The paradise riflebird was formally described in 1825 by the English naturalist William Swainson under the current binomial name Ptiloris paradiseus.

The common name "riflebird" comes from the likeness of their black velvety plumage to the uniform of the British Army Rifle Brigade.

[6] The paradise riflebird is endemic to eastern Australia, from New South Wales to Queensland, where it inhabits rainforests.

[9] The male paradise riflebird performs a solitary display to females from perches of low-hanging, exposed canopy.

[12] Although individuals of the species are generally non-territorial, males are presumed to display territorial behavior over these perches during the mating season.

The courtship display is composed of rapid side-to-side movements of the wings, which are held horizontally similar to other riflebirds, and head, with a gaping mouth and the iridescent blue-green sheen on the throat exposed.

[6] It is also suggested that males have super black feathers which help to create an optical illusion during courtship that emphasizes the iridescent patches they are adjacent to.

[13] It is highly vulnerable to deforestation and rainforest fragmentation due to its sedentary lifestyle and low population density, and has lost much of its original habitat.