Shape Shifting: and the Birds-of-Paradise

Published on Feb 8, 2013
"Explore more at http://www.birdsofparadiseproject.org
Several kinds of birds-of-paradise transform their bodies into a dark oval shape when they display. Each species uses a different assortment of feathers on the wings, flank, or neck. They use muscles in the skin to move the feathers into position. The black shape serves as a background for showing off a bright patch of iridescent color to the females. The Cornell Lab's Ed Scholes explains.

Filmed and photographed by Tim Laman."