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Monday, February 4, 2008

Birds of Paradise


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Birds of PARADISE
Courtship rituals are an important aspect in the breeding behaviour of many species. Some of the most unusual and awe-inspiring rituals in the animal kingdom are those of the BIRDS OF PARADISE.

Indonesia is home to 26 species of BIRDS OF PARADISE, which are only found in Irian Jaya, Maluku and Papau New Guinea. Forest-dwelling species, BIRDS OF PARADISE are distinguished by the flamboyant colours of a male, a delibrate guadiness that is exaggerated by the presense of a range of ornamental feathers.

Cininnurus Regius the smallest and most vivid KING BIRD OF PARADISE, is a shimmering red colour with white undersides and blue legs. Its short tail is
exxagerated by the presence of two l-o-n-g trailing plumes that end in green plumes.

Sadly, the very virtues that male BIRDS OF PARADISE have evolved to attract a mate have also led to their...
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People have l-o-n-g admired beauty of these species and many tribespeople PROUDLY valued their feathers, not only as a means of adorning clothing, but also as a form of $currency$ in bartering for goods. Spanish explorers are thought to have brought the first BIRDS OF PARADISE feathers back to Europe in the sixtennth century, sitimulating a MAJOR DEMAND in the Paris fashion circles, some designers even attaching stuffed birds to the top of hats. INcreased DEMAND for the beautiful feathers of these birds led to heavy hunting PrEsSuRe and many species have been PUSHED towards----------------------------------> EXTINCTION.



The following is a documentary on Youtube, showing a video of BIRDS OF PARADISE:





ENJOY!!!




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Posted at 5:55 PM, 4 Comment(s)


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