Celebrating the Marvels of the Birds-of-Paradise: Nature’s Living Art
Captured through the lens of Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark
Written by Jason Bittel
The Enchanting World of Birds-of-Paradise
Few creatures on Earth evoke awe quite like the birds-of-paradise, renowned for their dazzling plumage and intricate courtship displays. These avian performers seem to defy the ordinary, transforming their appearance through elaborate feather arrangements, dramatic wing fanning, or even hanging upside down from branches, reminiscent of bats. Their performances are not just for show-they are vital to their survival and reproductive success.
Comprising approximately 40 distinct species, the birds-of-paradise are exclusively native to the lush rainforests of Papua New Guinea, its surrounding islands, and parts of Australia. Their extraordinary diversity and flamboyance make them one of the most captivating groups of birds on the planet.
“They are unlike any other birds on Earth,” remarks Joel Sartore, a renowned National Geographic Explorer, photographer, and founder of the Photo Ark project. His work aims to document the planet’s most remarkable species, many of which face mounting threats from habitat loss and climate change.
A Journey of Discovery: Sartore’s Mission to Capture Nature’s Wonders
Since 2006, Sartore has dedicated himself to photographing and cataloging as many species as possible, with a current tally surpassing 17,000. His goal is to create a visual record that highlights the planet’s biological richness and the urgent need for conservation. While he often celebrates milestones by focusing on specific species, the birds-of-paradise have proven to be an especially challenging and inspiring subject-so much so that Sartore admits, “Choosing just one was impossible.”
Recently returning from a trip to Port Moresby, Sartore shared his impressions of being amidst these vibrantly feathered creatures. His observations reveal a surprising calmness among the birds, which he attributes to their intelligence and familiarity with human presence.
“They were remarkably composed,” Sartore notes. “When a bird remains calm in my tent, I know it’s quite clever.”
One particular bird, the trumpet manucode (Phonygammus keraudrenii mayrii), caught Sartore’s attention. Its iridescent turquoise and purple feathers shimmered as it gazed back at him with a striking cherry-red eye, reflecting the light in a mesmerizing way.
“It was like looking into a mirror,” Sartore explains, emphasizing his approach of using simple backgrounds and close-up shots to focus solely on the animals’ features. “We use black-and-white backdrops to remove distractions, giving each creature an equal voice-regardless of size.”
He highlights the diversity within the group, from tiny, brightly colored king birds-of-paradise, no larger than a dollar bill, to larger, more flamboyant species. For instance, the trumpet manucode’s striking appearance contrasts sharply with the tiny, vibrant red species that, despite their small size, possess an impressive presence.
The Evolutionary Tapestry of Ornamental Diversity
Examining the array of species, it’s evident that each one exhibits unique adaptations in color, shape, and feather arrangement. Male birds often perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females, each species employing its own distinctive method of seduction.
But how did such remarkable diversity evolve? According to ornithologist Edwin Scholes, founder of the Cornell Lab’s Birds-of-Paradise Project, sexual selection has played a pivotal role. The abundance of their preferred food sources-mainly fruit-and the relative scarcity of predators have created an environment where extravagant traits can flourish.
“Evolution through sexual selection has allowed these birds to develop their extraordinary feathers and behaviors,” Scholes explains. “In habitats where predators are less prevalent, these features can evolve without immediate risk.”
Habitat and geographic isolation further fuel this diversity. Birds-of-paradise are largely sedentary, residing in dense forests and rarely migrating over long distances. Natural barriers like river valleys and mountain ranges prevent gene flow between populations, leading to the emergence of distinct species. Some, like the ribbon-tailed astrapia, boast tail feathers three times their body length, while others, such as the superb bird of paradise, produce feathers that produce clicking sounds during courtship dances. The growling riflebird, true to its name, emits a low growl-a rare vocalization among birds.
One of the most astonishing examples is the lesser superb bird-of-paradise, which has evolved feathers that absorb nearly all visible light, creating a superblack, ultrablack appearance that renders it almost invisible in certain lighting conditions.
“Birds-of-paradise are among the most beautiful, bizarre, and diverse birds on the planet,” Scholes affirms, highlighting their status as living masterpieces of evolution.
Conservation Status and Future Outlook
While many of these extraordinary birds are currently faring better than others in the Photo Ark collection, their future remains uncertain. None of the species depicted are classified as critically endangered, but approximately 20% are considered vulnerable or near threatened, primarily due to habitat destruction and climate change.
Most at risk are species confined to small islands off the coast of New Guinea or those inhabiting isolated mountain ranges at high elevations. These limited ranges make them particularly susceptible to environmental disturbances.
Sartore hopes that his photographs will serve as a powerful reminder of the planet’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts. His mission is to inspire awareness and action, emphasizing that the loss of these species would not only be a tragedy for nature but could also have unforeseen consequences for humanity.
“Our goal is to show people what life on Earth is all about,” Sartore states. “If we can capture their imagination and make them care, maybe we can make a difference.”
In closing, Sartore underscores a sobering truth:
“As these species disappear, so too could we-our own future intertwined with theirs.”
The Photo Ark continues to document and celebrate the planet’s most extraordinary species, urging us all to recognize the importance of preserving our natural world.