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bird-of-paradise
Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae
Family: Strelitziaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Birds-of-Paradise
Birds-of-paradise are a captivating group of birds renowned for their elaborate plumage and fascinating courtship displays. They are a testament to evolutionary adaptation and sexual selection, showcasing some of the most beautiful creatures on Earth.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Paradisaeidae
- Order: Passeriformes
- Scientific Name: Several species within the family Paradisaeidae, including Lophorina superba (Superb Bird-of-Paradise) and Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise. Strelitzia reginae, also known as bird-of-paradise or crane flower is a related flower.
Distribution and Habitat
- The majority of species are found in eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Australia.
- They primarily inhabit tropical rainforests of south-east Asia.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Birds-of-paradise are famed for their elaborate plumage.
- Male superb birds of paradise carry a two-pronged, iridescent blue shield on their breasts.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text notes the importance of pollination for Birds of Paradise plants.
Quirky Facts
- One description likens the birds to "seldom glimpsed denizens of an Asiatic harem, who are clad in gold of many hues and dipped in the purple of dawn."
- The bird-of-paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae) is closely related to the banana.
Resources
- Birds-of-Paradise Project: birdsofparadiseproject.org. This project documents the complex displays of these birds.
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive series: Provides taxonomy and distribution information for Wilson's Bird-of-paradise.