Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise

There are 43 species of the magnificent bird known as the bird of paradise. These birds are stunningly beautiful with long, draping tail feathers of brilliant colours. While mating the male bird of paradise spreads its long, fine plumage tail over its back as a cascading waterfall of colour. The aboriginals of New Guinea have used the plumage from this bird for many centuries as a material for ornamental headdresses. Since their discovery by the western world and their continued use by the aboriginals the prime enemy of the bird of paradise has become man, as this bird has been exploited for its beauty. Four species are found in Australia, the remaining are all found in the humid forests of New Guinea and the surrounding islands. [BM] {FW}