My AP Biology Thoughts  Unit 8 Ecology EPISODE TITLE: Birds of Paradise Mating Rituals

Welcome to My AP Biology Thoughts podcast, my name is Xavier and I am with Celine and Sofie and we are your hosts for Unit 8 Ecology-Birds of Paradise Mating Rituals. Today we will be discussing Birds of Paradise Mating Rituals and how it relates to the AP Biology Curriculum. 

We want to thank our sources for the information presented in this podcast episode today which include National geographic and BBC Earth. You can find the citations and links to these sources in the show notes.

Segment 1: Overview of Bird  

• The birds of paradise are some of the most fascinating birds in the world, from their wide range of behaviors and striking coloration of the males, I would love to ask you some specific questions about them. I have looked over many different species and their behavior, but I am particularly interested in the elaborate mating displays performed by male birds of paradise.
• Of course, let me begin with a bit of background on the species. Birds of paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae (Para-dice-see-a-die), which researchers think evolved on the island of New Guinea. The family is comprised of 43 species, most found on the island of New Guinea. Two species are found only in the Moluccan Islands to the west of New Guinea, and four others are found mainly in northeastern Australia. The family of birds includes astrapias, manucodes, paradisaeas, parotias, riflebirds, and sicklebills.

Segment 2: Evidence that supports Animal Behavior within the Birds of Paradise

• I know many species of birds are sexually dimorphic but what does this mean for the bird-of-paradise 
• Yes, this means the males and females have different appearances. So the males have elaborate feather patterns that they use in their mating displays while the females of these species have a more dull and camouflaged appearance 
• So while the females are watching the Males perform these displays what is their key concern when choosing which male to mate with? 
• The female choice appears to be based on the vigor of the males’ display meaning their physical strength and health. Which can be seen in the condition and color of his feathers. 
• So the female chooses a vigorous mate, ensuring that her offspring will also be relatively healthy. 
• Exactly, the strongest, most brightly-feathered males have a better chance of attracting the females, while less attractive males may be overlooked. 
• I was most interested in a species of male Superb bird-of-paradise with their dark black cape feathers and almost like a “psychedelic smiley face.” The way he snaps his tail rhythmically slowly, flashing a breastplate of iridescent like feathers. I’m sure the female’s prefer their beautiful feathers.
• Like I had mentioned it really depends on what the female wants to pass on to her children. This is their key concern...