The young males are exactly
like the female, and they no doubt undergo a series of changes as
singular as those of Paradisea rubra; but, unfortunately, I was
unable to obtain illustrative specimens.
This exquisite little creature frequents the smaller trees in the
thickest parts of the forest, feeding on various fruits; often of
a very large size for so small a bird. It is very active both on
its wings and feet, and makes a whirring sound while flying,
something like the South American manakins. It often flutters its
wings and displays the beautiful fan which adorns its breast,
while the star-bearing tail wires diverge in an elegant double
curve. It is tolerably plentiful in the Aru Islands, which led to
it, being brought to Europe at an early period along with
Paradisea apoda. It also occurs in the island of Mysol and in
every part of New Guinea which has been visited by naturalists.
We now come to the remarkable little bird called the
"Magnificent," first figured by Buffon, and named Paradisea
speciosa by Boddaert, which, with one allied species, has been
formed into a separate genus by Prince Buonaparte, under the name
of Diphyllodes, from the curious double mantle which clothes the
back.
The head is covered with short brown velvety feathers, which
advance on the back so as to cover the nostrils.
