The Bird of Paradise
K.V.
Description
- The Birds of Paradise are found in four common colors: Yellow, Green, Blue, and Scarlet.
- Males have vibrant feather riff or elongated feathers that they use to display for females.
- Males have special and unique dances they do to attract attention from females.
- Only 17 genres and 42 species of Birds of Paradise.
- Small Birds of Paradise are about 50 grams / 1.8 ounces.
- Big Birds of Paradise are about 448 grams / 15.8 ounces.
- Can live up to 30 years in a zoo.
- Incubation period can be for 14-20 days depending on the species.
- Lay about 1(usual) to 3(rare) eggs.
- Chicks fledge 20-30 days; reaches maturity in 1-2 years.
Food Chain and Habitat
- The Birds of Paradise likes to eat insects, fruits, seeds and berries.
- Can be found in Australia and Papua New Gunia.
- Lives in the forest and other tropical and humid areas.
- Lays eggs in the nest that are made from leaves and twigs.
- Predators are: snakes, hawks, and owls.
- Deforestation contributes to habitat lost.
- Humans in some countries kill them for their decorative feathers and rituals.
Adaptations
- The head is a certain color depending on the type of Bird of Paradise.
- Feathers are modified as wings, wires, spatulas, tails, beads, or other shapes.
- Most male Birds of Paradise have elongated vocal organs that allow them to make different voices and sounds than females.
- Male Birds of Paradise are usually louder than females and make unique sounds to impress females.
- The nest of the birds are cup shaped.
- In some species they make nests on the ground for low vegetations. Others make it in branches for protection.
Reasons for Endangerment
- A reason that the Birds of Paradise are endangered is because humans sell or use their feathers for decoration or ritual practices.
- Another reason that these beautiful birds are endangered is because of major habitat loss.
- Since people cut down trees of the rainforest, these birds are loosing their habitats in the trees.
- But work is being done to save them. Governments have set up sanctuaries and zoos to help save these fascinating birds.
- A way that someone can help is by contributing money to the sanctuaries and zoos to help protect them.
- This will help save the birds from getting extinct.
- Soon if everyone contributes these birds might not be endangered anymore.