An Exploration of the World’s Most Spectacular Birds
Among the most beautiful creatures on Earth, the birds-of-paradise are also ambassadors for the conservation of their forest home, the intact forests of New Guinea.
- The Species
Biologists have organized closely related species into 15 groups each called a genus (plural: genera). Explore how taxonomy helps make sense of biological diversity.
- Adaptations for Attraction
The unrivaled displays of male birds–of–paradise combine extreme feathers, dazzling colors, piercing sounds, and precise movements. These are all adaptations with a single function: to attract mates.
- Evolution in Isolation
The males owe their exotic plumes and dances to sexual selection – the subtle power of females choosing mates over millions of years.
- Tanah Papua: A Paradise for Birds
Experience the beauty of the island of New Guinea and meet the people in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua who are determined to save its forests.
- A New Bird-of-Paradise Species: Vogelkop Lophorina
Vogelkop Lophorina, once the Superb Bird-of-Paradise, is recognized as a new species, thanks in part to its smooth dance moves.
- Female Birds-of-Paradise Go for Complex Males
Male birds-of-paradise are world famous for their showmanship—their extravagant plumage, their complex vocals, and their shape-shifting dance moves. Research published in the journal PLOS Biology suggests that everything in those theatrical breeding displays by the males is driven by one thing: the female.
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