There are about 50 different kinds of birds of paradise, but they are all found in the tropical islands of the Western Pacific and in Northern Australia. Birds of paradise range in size from that of a crow to that of a sparrow, and each kind has its own special pattern of brilliant colours. It is this own display of brilliant colours in their plumage that makes these birds so unusual. But these beautiful birds are actually related to the common crow.

Only the males have the brilliant plumage. The reason for this is not yet understood. It may be to attract the females, or it may be to draw natural enemies away from the nests of the mother and the young and so protect them.

During the mating season, the male birds gather and show off their fine feathers before the females. Most birds of paradise build flimsy, platform like nests in the tree tops. In these they lay their eggs. The birds eat almost anything they find, from fruit to snails and insects.