- 2 days ago
The premise revolves around the mating rituals of exotic birds, such as dancing or creating bowers with the right decorations. From ruffling their majestic feathers to nailing im-peck-able courtship routines, birds in paradise flaunt their best moves in hopes of landing a mate....
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AnimalsTranscript
00:17A superb bird of paradise calls for a mate.
00:25The pursuit of love is his life's work.
00:31But looking good is only half the story.
00:40To seal the deal, he must charm her with his dance.
00:57When it comes to courting a partner, the
00:59superb bird of paradise is not the only bird with an extraordinary display.
01:09But as we'll see, in the world of dancing birds, it's only the most charming that succeed.
01:26The End
01:37The End
01:57This is New Guinea, the world's largest jungle-covered island.
02:04In these isolated mountains and valleys, birds have evolved some of the most
02:09bizarre courtship displays on the planet.
02:22Meet the king of Saxony.
02:28He has the longest head feathers of any bird.
02:33And they're vital for impressing a female.
02:39But first, the king must advertise for a queen.
02:51He shares the canopy with hundreds of birds.
02:59But is the right one here for him?
03:05Hmm, that could be her.
03:08Time to head down to his display vine.
03:18She's definitely up there, but he needs her closer.
03:28And when she is, he can begin his routine.
03:50She'll judge him on everything.
03:58She'll judge him on everything.
04:03And how he shakes them.
04:10The higher he scores, the more likely she'll choose him.
04:13The higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:19the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:32the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:32the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:32the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:32the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:33the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:35the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores,
04:36the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the higher he scores, the
04:45Oh, well. Back to the search.
04:53Attracting the perfect partner is a challenge for all male birds of paradise.
05:01So some increase their chances by having a permanent address.
05:12An old wobbly tree stump.
05:15The top is just three meters off the forest floor.
05:20It doesn't look much, but it means everything to this black sickle bill, or SB for short.
05:32Every morning, SB comes here in the hope of attracting a female.
05:39And if he can't always be seen, he can be heard.
05:47Even in the dense understory, his calls travel far.
05:54And when it comes to first impressions, he has a neat trick up his sleeve.
06:02For years, no one knew why the black sickle bill had these strange shoulder plumes.
06:10But then, who could have imagined this?
06:24To be continued...
06:25To be continued...
06:28To be continued...
06:34With no shortage of food in these forests, male birds of paradise can focus on one thing.
06:42Attracting a mate.
06:55His shiny badge of feathers is a sign that he's in tip-top condition.
07:00He just needs a female to spot it.
07:09But with no sign of any interest, SB gets on with his day.
07:20The sickle bill is not the only pole-dancing bird in these forests.
07:26The top of this 25-meter tree has been fashioned into the perfect display post
07:32by a 12-wired bird of paradise.
07:38Let's call him TW.
07:45From up here, TW's call is loud enough to carry to the other side of the valley.
07:54Sadly, no one seems to be listening.
07:58But if a female came by, would she be impressed with these moves?
08:09Or that tail?
08:15Twelve wires are the only birds in the world with a tail like this.
08:19And it's designed for a very odd kind of courtship.
08:32He just needs a female on his pole.
08:44SB's post has a visitor, but it's a young male.
08:50He's not having a bad feather day.
08:52It's just his shoulder pads haven't developed yet.
08:57And his shiny badge of feathers, well, they wouldn't impress anyone.
09:05But you're never too young to try out your moves.
09:15Pretty good, even if he does look like he's been dragged through the forest backwards.
09:27TW's pole has a visitor too.
09:30But it's a metallic starling.
09:35keen to let others know he's in the area.
09:41The pole is also a great vantage point for spying prey.
09:52It seems that every bird in the forest wants to sit on TW's post.
10:01But if he's ever to attract a mate, TW must drive off the stream of trespassers.
10:15Now where are all those female twelve wires?
10:20Surely there's one out there?
10:29Scruffy is still at it.
10:39And SB's not happy.
10:53The kid's got guts.
10:56But he has to go.
10:59SB knows that no pole means no dates.
11:05Back in charge.
11:07It's guns out.
11:10Hood up.
11:13All he needs is a passing female.
11:20Aha!
11:21Could this be the one?
11:24It is a female, but not a sickle bill.
11:33Male birds of paradise can go their entire lives without ever winning a female.
11:41But they're programmed to persevere.
11:49An approaching storm is not good news.
11:54SB knows there's no point dancing in the rain.
12:03Female birds of paradise never look for partners in bad weather.
12:15Or almost never.
12:17Here's a female that doesn't mind the rain.
12:23T.W. can't have gone far.
12:26But females have little patience.
12:37Who knows when she'll be back?
12:42T.W. spends a lot of time gardening and landscaping.
12:47It's important work if he wants his display pole to stand out in the canopy.
12:58He's already removed all the leaves from here.
13:09This lot could go too.
13:14But gardening must wait.
13:16He has a date.
13:20So, will a leafy gift help to woo her?
13:30No.
13:34For a male bird of paradise, life can often be frustrating.
13:43But she hasn't given up on him yet.
13:47It just needs to charm her onto his pole.
14:03Strangely, female twelve wires like to be flicked across the face by a male's tail.
14:14And she'll judge him on this.
14:19So, here goes.
14:35Unfortunately, his technique is a turn-off.
14:43The pole dancers spend a lot of time hoping they'll be noticed.
14:51But SB's wait could be over.
15:03That tweak is a good sign.
15:09But she needs a much closer inspection.
15:16The devil's in the detail.
15:29He's passed the test.
15:34Perseverance has paid off.
15:40Using a tree stump as a display post is one thing.
15:48But for some dancing birds, the females demand even more.
15:55They expect their partners to get creative.
16:06This is a bower.
16:09A stick bower.
16:12It's built to attract a female bowerbird.
16:17Though you could say it's the designer that really catches the eye.
16:24A flame bowerbird.
16:26The world's most brightly colored bird.
16:36He spent several days building his bower.
16:39And now he's applying the finishing touches.
16:49But flames is not the only kind of bower here.
17:00This bower is probably the most ambitious construction made by any single animal.
17:20Here's the guy responsible.
17:24McGregor's bowerbird.
17:27He may not have the sex appeal of flame, but no other bird goes to greater heights to impress the
17:34ladies.
17:39Unlike flame, McGregor spends most of the year tinkering with his bower.
17:50He works hard on making it bigger and better.
17:57So far, it's been a seven-year labor of love.
18:07Flames bower, on the other hand, is short-lived.
18:10Likely to last just a couple of weeks.
18:14Even so, every stick has its place.
18:20And detail is everything.
18:27Happy with his bower, flame moves his attention to his backyard.
18:34If he wants to impress a female, it's important to get this right, too.
18:41For both, creating the perfect piece of art is time-consuming work.
18:49And occasionally frustrating.
18:54If only he had hands.
19:06This isn't McGregor.
19:08It's his neighbor and rival from along the way.
19:14With no one in, he's come to cause trouble.
19:24Bowerbirds can be very jealous.
19:34But there's a point to this vandalism.
19:39Sabotage your rivals, bower, and yours may look better to a visiting female.
19:53Mr. Flame is still having his own personal battles.
19:57But he must also watch his back.
20:01When you're the brightest thing in the jungle,
20:04there's always a chance you'll attract the wrong kind of birds.
20:15A Doria's hawk.
20:20But he's lost the element of surprise.
20:30McGregor is back, and he gets on with the repairs.
20:39His tower is well over a meter tall.
20:45It may be a cliché, but size matters to female bowerbirds.
20:52If a male can build and maintain a large tower, it's a sign of good genes.
21:01Next, McGregor turns his attention to the decor.
21:07Every bowerbird works in his own medium.
21:12For McGregor, it's sticky plant sap.
21:16Mmm, nice.
21:18It's a nice place.
21:23Flame is decorating too, but he's more experimental.
21:34McGregor, however, knows just what he wants.
21:41And everything has its place.
21:48Now, this has potential.
21:51But should it go here?
21:53Here?
21:57Or perhaps here?
21:59Or even here?
22:01Perfect.
22:07Fresh decorations show that the bower's in use.
22:11And the fancier it is, the more likely it'll impress a female.
22:18He's hung hundreds of baubles already.
22:21But apparently there's a point when there's just one too many.
22:32In keeping with his brown color scheme, McGregor is hoping dead flowers will be an added attraction.
22:48Décor is often down to local fashion.
22:52In this valley, blue is the thing.
22:56So will these berries catch the eye?
23:05There's another unwelcome guest at McGregor's.
23:12This could be bad.
23:14But it's also an opportunity for McGregor to practice an important skill.
23:22Mimicry.
23:24Mimicry.
23:28Pretty impressive.
23:31And how about his squealing pig?
23:36He can also do the local dogs.
23:41Pigs don't like dogs.
23:46So what will this pig think about a bark with more bite?
24:00There's more to this mimicry than scaring pigs.
24:04It's also key to courting a partner.
24:15He's in luck.
24:17A female has heard him and drops in for a closer look.
24:24Time for the blind audition.
24:31He must now give her his full repertoire.
24:37First up, the songs of forest birds.
24:43Moving on to other sounds he's picked up from a nearby village.
24:47Like chopping wood.
24:52People talking.
24:58And most remarkably.
25:03Children playing.
25:13She's impressed.
25:14And who wouldn't be?
25:19A final dog bark.
25:21And it's on to stage two.
25:24A game of hide and seek.
25:46To keep her keen, he can't be seen.
25:58To keep her keen, he can't be seen.
26:01This teasing game can go on for 20 minutes or more.
26:13Flame is in luck too.
26:16A female flame has come to check him out.
26:23She replies to his call, a good sign.
26:29Gathek.
26:33Now, how to coax her into his bower.
26:40Will contracting and expanding his pupil be the right lure?
26:54She seems to like it
27:00One more step and she'll be in his bower
27:23Oh, too much eye work, perhaps
27:29Back at McGregor's, it's time for the crazy thistlehead
28:09She's seen enough
28:12But perhaps she'll be back later
28:18The game's not yet up for Flame
28:24His date is back
28:27And he's trying something new
28:35He still needs to get her into his bower
28:40And a bit of blue-beak bling might be just the thing
28:50At last, she's right where he wants her
29:03Time for his signature dance
29:06The matador
29:14Oh, dear
29:15The pressure's getting to him
29:23Take two
29:53Everything seems to be a good
29:54going like clockwork
30:08his final move is odd but it's all part of the routine
30:23and this is his only contribution to fatherhood
30:32bowerbirds play the mating game alone
30:38but in the jungles of Central and South
30:40America there are some birds whose only
30:44hope of finding love is teamwork
30:55this is a Guyanan cock of the rock
31:01every morning a posse of males gathers in
31:05this patch of forest in the hope of some
31:08female action
31:20they're not exactly friends but they need one another to succeed
31:28so chaos must give way to order
31:38this is a communal display ground or
31:48lek
31:49at the lek every male has his own dancing area
31:55and the more males there are the more likely females will visit
32:05teamwork is even more important for some performers in Panama
32:12this is the dancing perch of a male lance-tailed mannequin
32:18but to attract a female one mannequin just won't cut it
32:22so he has a wingman
32:31the mannequins here are part of a 21-year study
32:35and this pair has worked together for five years
32:47they're a well-oiled machine
32:52and the most successful duo in this forest
33:01rehearsal over the pair go in search of a mate
33:07they advertise their readiness with a duet
33:15and their calls have been answered
33:19now they show her their stage with a round of flybys
33:40so far so good
33:45but will their routine hit the mark
33:56if it does only the alpha will mate
34:00the wingman's only here to make his boss look good
34:11but before deciding female mannequins always check out the competition
34:18oh shame
34:23at the cock of the rock lek
34:25the judges are taking their seats
34:31it's got the posse excited again
34:46order restored
34:48each takes his position
34:53and presents his best side
35:01they'll be judged on their rear ends
35:14it takes a trained eye to spot the prettiest bottom
35:21but there's more to the contest than that
35:28wait for it
35:41yeah okay it's not exactly swan lake
35:43but it's enough to make the final choice easier
35:57but is this male as impressive up close
36:08he must keep hopping until he gets the okay
36:15not everyone's best pleased about that
36:20but the competition isn't over yet
36:27there are still other females to win over
36:31so they must keep hopping
36:45but when the next female chooses
36:50it's the same guy
36:53research has shown
36:55that most matings at a lek are with one male
37:01but only the females know what he has
37:04that the others don't
37:09still until the last females gone there's always hope
37:23the manikin A team are hopeful too
37:29the females back
37:33and the duo picks up where they left off
37:52but the final act is a solo
37:56so when it's time to go it alone
37:59the alpha calls at his wingman to leave
38:08last year this male was the most successful in the study
38:14but he can't afford to relax
38:20research has shown that older females
38:22like this one make experienced males work harder for their affections
38:30so he must dazzle her with each of his dance moves
38:40now comes the highlight of the whole performance
38:45cue drum roll
38:51the perch bounces
39:04she likes them
39:10all that's left is to bow and mate
39:15the wingman can only look on
39:18perhaps next year he'll be on top
39:27back in New Guinea
39:29there's one dancing bird
39:32that has it all
39:36the perfect arena
39:37the most varied dance routine
39:40and he does it all by himself
39:43you could say
39:44he's the greatest showman
39:51this is his personal display court
39:55he's a bird of paradise
39:57a corolla's parotia
40:00and his name's Bob
40:06Bob
40:07Bob is obsessed with tidiness
40:10but it's vital housework
40:16female corollas don't visit messy display courts
40:22every leaf must go
40:28perfect
40:31but Bob's jobs are not done
40:36there's other groundwork to do
40:43his arena is carpeted with moss
40:46and there are a few areas to attend to
40:56and there are a few areas to do
40:59chores finished
41:01Bob limbers up
41:05corollas spend more time rehearsing their displays
41:08than any other bird of paradise
41:17the ballerina is just one of nine carefully choreographed moves
41:24and each will have to be done in exactly the right order
41:30making it the most complex dance of any bird
41:37even the pauses between moves are important to the routine
41:44and it's not just what he does
41:46but where
41:48dancing under his perch is crucial
41:51as it's from here a female will view his performance
42:03but even the most serious dancer can tire of practicing
42:07particularly when no one's even watching
42:12so it's off to lunch
42:19with Bob gone others slide in
42:24a juvenile male and his equally juvenile male friend
42:31one day they'll both have their own courts
42:34but until then they must seize every chance to practice
42:41with two they can role play
42:46a dancer
42:49and a judging female
42:58but time's up
43:02Bob's back
43:08this youngster wants to stick around and learn from an expert
43:17but playtime's over
43:22and not a moment too soon
43:25a female corolla
43:31but she's not looking for love
43:34she's after nest material
43:39best get rid of her
43:47when you're a corolla's parotia
43:50when you're a corolla's parotia
43:50there's no such thing as downtime
43:55to succeed
43:57Bob knows his routine must be faultless
44:03so it's practice, practice, practice
44:12Aha, another female
44:17this one seems interested in him
44:19so it's showtime
44:24Bob opens with a perch pivot
44:27the first of his nine moves
44:30the first of his nine moves
44:43with the female getting closer
44:45it's time for move two
44:47the court hops
44:50then smartly on to move three
44:53the swaying bunts
44:57the mossy carpet helps keep Bob's feet firmly on the ground
45:03but he needs her on his perch
45:09yes
45:13but what's this?
45:14a plus one?
45:17it's another adult male
45:22he could prove trouble
45:23but Bob must press on
45:28a corolla display
45:30a corolla display could last hours
45:33and there are points for stamina
45:35and there are points for stamina
45:42the arrival of a second male is more worrying
45:50suddenly Bob's surrounded by rivals
45:53here to break up his date
45:55if he loses focus now
45:57she may visit one of their courts instead
46:01and he's still got a lot to get through
46:06next move four
46:07the head tilts
46:15but all that noise is just too distracting
46:23he must show them who's boss
46:28and this bit of leaf could be the answer
46:33it's a badge of ownership
46:35a corolla's way of saying
46:37this is my court
46:38get lost
46:46it's odd
46:49but it works
46:56but now something's wrong
47:00has she lost interest?
47:02or is he trying to woo her
47:04at the wrong end of the perch?
47:12fortunately
47:12Bob's remembered that female corollas
47:15like to look down on their would-be partners
47:20so it's back to business
47:22and the second round of court hops
47:25move five
47:35now on to the next move
47:37the hop and shake
47:38number six
47:39where he'll fluff his feathers
47:41shuffle forward
47:43and stick his head under his wing
47:47fluff
47:49fluff
47:50shuffle
47:50wing
47:51fluff
47:53shuffle
47:54wing
47:56still looking good above
48:02so it's time for moves seven eight and nine
48:05the bow
48:06ballerina
48:07and head bobs
48:08the moves that mark him out as surely the finest dancer of them all
48:16take it away
48:18take it away
48:19take it away
48:43bob
48:55some male corollas never win a female
49:02but bob's chances are looking good
49:26even the pauses are holding her interest
49:30even the pauses are holding her interest
49:36do
49:38in
49:38h
50:02Fluttering wings are her way of saying nice job, Bob.
50:10It's the sign he's been hoping for.
50:19Hurrah!
50:22But despite Bob's virtuoso performance, she may never want to see him again.
50:31Oh well.
50:32Oh well.
50:42Oh well.
50:46Oh well.
50:47Oh well.
50:53Oh well.
51:09Oh well.
51:12Oh well.
51:22Oh well.
51:24Oh well.
51:25Oh well.
51:35Oh well.
51:35Oh well.
51:35Oh well.
51:35Oh well.
51:35Oh well.
51:35Oh well.
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