In the vine-tangled rainforests of New Guinea, Australia and Indonesia the spectacular birds of paradise engage in extraordinary rituals to attract a mate.
“Rituals of seduction: Birds of Paradise” looks at how both birds and people engage in a variety of decoration, display and dance to draw attention to themselves (for birds this is usually part of courtship rituals), and at the close relationship between birds of paradise and people.
Featuring magnificent still photography, film footage and mounted specimens showing the species’ range of eccentric attributes, also on display are items from the Australia Museum’s anthrolpology collection including wigs made from human hair and a feathered headdress.
“Rituals of seduction: Birds of Paradise” is on display at the Australian Museum (6 College Street, Sydney) until August 7, 2011. The Museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm. For more information visit www.australianmuseum.net.au.
Image of Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea raggiana). Copyright Dr Bruce M Beehler.