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Birds of paradise are found almost exclusively in New Guinea. Spanning over 300,000 square miles, the island is blanketed in thick tropical forests, providing a perfect home for these strange, remarkable birds.
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During a display, the King bird of paradise will puff up his plumes and flick his two wire-like tail quills from side to side.
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Greater birds of paradise often display in groups, inviting the females to choose the most impressive from a wide assortment of males. This is known as lek-mating.
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The Parotia bird of paradise is also known as the Six-plumed bird of paradise because of his six head quills.
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Parotia’s have some of the most complex courtship displays in the animal kingdom. During his hypnotic dance, the male adjusts his flank plumes to resemble a tutu before performing a series of movements on a cleared patch of forest floor.
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To impress the female, the Magnificent bird of paradise gently pulses, puffing out his emerald breast feathers.
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The Magnificent bird of paradise has two curlicue feathers sprouting from its tail.
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One of the defining features of the Wilson’s bird of paradise is his lack of head plumes, revealing a bright blue skin tone.
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Some males completely transform themselves during their displays. The Superb bird of paradise snaps his breast and back plumes forward until his head is surrounded by a giant black and blue ellipse.
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Bird of paradise plumes are highly valued by the New Guinea people and adorn the spectacular headdresses used in traditional dances and religious ceremonies.
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More than simply decorative, the plumes are treated as currency in many tribal communities.
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The Blue bird of paradise is a soloist, preferring to display without other males nearby. During his display, the Blue Bird hangs upside down and fans out his blue and violet flank plumes.
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When approached by a female, the male bird of paradise releases a soft and low buzzing sound.
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New Guinea houses the third largest rainforest in the world, after the Amazon and Congo.
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By tracking what plumes are most popular among the locals, conservationists can better assess what birds of paradise are most in need of protection.
