#the bops

New paper out on bird of paradise display evolution!

They sing, they dance, and they’re colorful to boot– but how do those complex visual displays that male birds of paradise use to woo a female actually evolve? In this study I investigated ecological predictors of male coloration and dance complexity, and found that distinct evolutionary drivers each make a unique contribution.

The paper is Open Access, so you can read without needing a subscription!

There are two bird of paradise groups called sicklebills, though they are actually quite different. The first are in genus Drepanornis, and are distinct in how normal they are socially. While most birds of paradise eschew territorial norms in favor of lek mating systems, Drepanornis maintain a traditional territory like most other songbirds.

Drepanornis bruijnii is named for Alfred R Wallace’s assistant, the Dutchman Antonie Bruijn.

Of the 30 bird of paradise species, Parotiahas the most moves in his dance repertoire.