Bird-of-paradise

Birds-of-paradise are a family of bird species found mainly in the forests of New Guinea and nearby islands, with a few species in northeastern Australia, renowned for the extraordinarily elaborate and varied plumage and courtship displays of the males of many species, which can include vivid iridescent feathers, extended plumes, and elaborate dances performed on the forest floor or on display perches to attract females. Female birds-of-paradise are typically far plainer in coloration, an example of pronounced sexual dimorphism thought to have been driven by strong female choice over many generations. The family includes around forty recognized species, feeding mainly on fruit and insects, and their historically remote and rugged habitat in the mountains and forests of New Guinea has helped many species remain relatively secure even as habitat loss increasingly threatens some lowland populations.