Blue Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rudolphi)

One of the most glorious birds of paradise, this is also one of the most endangered as a consequence of much of its habitat having been cleared for agriculture and housing.

The male displays alone, high in the trees. Uttering low mechanical-sounding cries, including one like radio static, he swings upside down from a branch with his long tail streamers sweeping over in a graceful arc, his magnificent plumes spread in a cascade of opalescent blue.