Very few species of animal on the planet can be compared to aliens from outer space upon observing their physical appearance and mating rituals. The more than forty species of birds of paradise would probably be the first to be called “alien”. Birds of paradise are known for their bright, funky, colorful plumage arrangements and their wacky, out-of-this-world mating rituals. Imagine a peacock breeding with a flamingo, and an macaw breeding with a grackle, then visualize the offspring of those two couples breeding with one another: That might look remotely like one of the numerous species of bird of paradise.

As with many other species of bird, the male bird of paradise will be significantly larger and more colorful in appearance. He will also go through highly elaborate grooming, dancing, and singing in order to attract a mate. The term “dancing” is quite an accurate one when used to describe the mating rituals of the male bird of paradise. In one species a feathered “hood” is opened around the bird’s head, displaying a bright turquoise pattern of feathers that resembles something similar to a giant smiley face, against the shiny, black feathers of the rest of the birds. The bird will then proceed to hop around in a circle. When I use the phrase “hop around in a circle”, it doesn’t quite seem to portray the seemingly intricate way the bird leaps around with its built-in headdress. This is not the erratic hopping of a bird searching for grubs or seeds on the ground; this is a practiced, intricate method of attracting a suitable mate. The bird even creates his own dance beat!

The plumage of the birds of paradise species is prized amongst the humans who share their landscape. The brightly colored, uniquely shaped feathers are often used and incorporated in the making of headdresses for local tribes in places such as the island of Papua New Guinea.

It seems as if these birds are also gaining human followers from other parts of the world, who flock to the website Youtube.com to watch videos of the animals taken by popular naturalists. Being able to watch such unique creatures is definitely a privilege.