Featured Bird Photograph: Raggiana Bird of Paradise or Count Raggi's Bird of Paradise
Other Featured Bird Photos
The Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is considered by many to be the most beautiful bird species on the planet. They have been hunted for centuries for their beautiful plumage; their feathers have been used for decoration and are sought after for their supposed mystical properties. Local tribes believed that they were the "birds of the gods" and never touched earth, feeding only on dew. This story accentuated the value of the birds for over 100 years, and the feathers were in such high demand that it almost killed off the species.
The males are known to gather in a specific tree together in the morning to engage in mutual display, where they fluff out their extensive colorful feathers to attract a female.
Relevant Bird Species Information Page (includes more stunning photos of this bird species)
Photographer: MrClean1982 http://www.flickr.com/people/mrclean/
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