Introduction
There are over ten thousand species of birds in the world. Some are rare while others are commonly seen every day. Birds are not only an integral part of the eco system but also a work of magnificence by Mother Nature. One of the most exuberant and exquisite bird species is the paradise bird or the bird of Paradise. These birds have been the object of fascination for many bird watchers and ornithologists. According to the San Diego zoo there are about 42 discovered and recorded species of paradise birds. These birds are renowned for their hunting and the usage of their plumes for festivities and dresses by the natives in New Guinea. They are indeed beautiful creatures and have astounding courtship conduct that makes them a favorite among ornithologists and bird watchers.
History
Paradise birds are from the family of crows, jays, ravens, magpies and treepies called the corvids and for that reason they have a crow like general body form. These birds have amazed many people with their beauty and stunning colors. In the past, these were considered worthy of being gifted to kings. In fact birds of paradise were sent by Sultan of the present day island named Tidore, to the king of Spain as a present. The Portuguese sailors who bought them were told by the natives that these were from heaven. The European bird and nature enthusiasts were thrilled by their plumage and features. They too felt they were really from Eden, hence the name birds of paradise.
Features
Paradise birds have different sizes and shapes as there are various species of birds categorized under it. The heaviest bird is the curl-crested Manucode which is weighed almost to a pound. The sizes of these birds can vary from about 3.5 foot long Black Sicklebill bird to almost an inch long King bird of paradise. Another interesting fact about these birds is that one can tell their gender apart by the color of their plumage. The male has a radiant plumage whereas the female plumage is a shade of brown. The male bird is said to develop stunning skirts of feathers and quills to attract the females over a period of time or till the mating season starts. Unfortunately for these birds their feathers make them a valuable target for poachers and hunters. They hunt these birds for their feathers which are high in demand for their rich colors and hue. The habitats of these birds is mostly found in New Guinea, North east of Australia and on the islands near that part of the country.
Tips and comments
Paradise birds are indeed one of nature’s finest wonders. Even though the Paradise bird species are said to be around forty two, bird watchers and ornithologists have not been able to study some of them properly and very little is known about those species. These birds face tremendous danger of extinction since they are still being hunted in many areas. Laws in the 1920s did help in preserving them, but they are still listed among the endangered species.
