Image: King of Saxony Bird of Paradise head plume
Detail of a head plume of the King of Saxony Bird of Paradise
- Photographer:
- Carl Bento
- Rights:
- © Australian Museum
- Common name:
- King of Saxony Bird of Paradise
- Scientific name:
- Pteridophora alberti
- Family:
- Paradisaeidae
- Order:
- Passeriformes
Additional information
The amazing head plumes of the male King of Saxony Bird of Paradise are highly modified feathers. Enamel-like plates, called flags, are actually modified barbs emerging from the elongated central feather shaft. The male uses these plumes in a variety of movements and postures during the courtship display.
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