The aptly named superb bird-of-paradise is fascinating to behold, especially when its performing its courtship dance.
In fact, once the male bird opens its plumage, it doesnt look like a bird at all.
All members of this family have elaborate plumage and display bizarre courtship rituals.
The female is rather drab.
The average female rejects 15-20 potential suitors before consenting to mate.
Photo credit:www.birdsofparadiseproject.org
Photo credit:www.emaze.com
Other species of the bird-of-paradise family are also pretty spectacular.
Checkout the impressive spiral tail feathers onWilson’s bird-of-paradise(Cicinnurus respublica).
The bird is about 32 cm long, but its tail can be over a meter long.
Checkout theBirds-of-Paradise Projectfor more information, pictures and videos about these magnificent birds.
Photo credit: Tim Laman/National Geographic
Photo credit:David Cook/Flickr
