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Lesser Birds of Paradise

Extravagant dramatic plumage

 

Male Birds of Paradise develop extravagant, dramatic plumage, as seen in these three male Lesser Birds of Paradise, which have been collected from New Guinea. Males gather together in communal arenas called ‘leks’ where they put on displays of elaborate dances and poses to show off their plumage to any watching females. These displays can last for several hours.  Afterwards, the female alone is responsible for caring for the eggs and young.

 

The Birds of Paradise can be found in the bird displays on the ground floor.