Sundays are becoming even more interesting with the planet earth serial from discovery. Truly a landmark tv serial in HD. I've started enjoying even the re-runs. One of the episodes was on "Birds of paradise" (Not to be confused with the plant of same name).Was surprised to know that they are very closely related to crows & jays. I was under the impression that they are named after their flamboyant plumage, but little did I know that a misconception of explorers is the reason for their name. Wikipedia says:
This species was described from specimens brought back to Europe from trading expeditions. These specimens had been prepared by native traders by removing their wings and feet so that they could be used as decorations. This was not known to the explorers and led to the belief that the birds never landed but were kept permanently aloft by their plumes. This is the origin of both the name "birds of paradise" and the specific name apoda — without feet.
They also seem to use the swayamvara (lek-type) technique for finding their mates. Interesting :-)
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