The COLLARED BIRD OF PARADISE (_Lophorina superba_) is an extremely rare
species, inhabiting Northern New Guinea. It is distinguished by the long
feathers by which the upper part of its back and the nape of its neck are
surmounted, the latter even extending over the breast, and thus forming a
kind of collar; but there are no elongated feathers upon the sides, and
it wants the webless stems found on the tail of some species; the plumage
in general is black, the long feathers upon the breast are of a brilliant
metallic green; the flowing feathers of the shoulder fall like a mantle
over the body, and can be raised when the bird is desirous of appearing
in all its beauty.
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The SIX-FEATHERED BIRD OF PARADISE (_Parotia sex-pennis_) represents
a race of extremely beautiful and rare creatures, which, owing to the
peculiarities of their plumage, have been classed as a separate tribe
under the name of PAROTIA. In these birds the side feathers are much
elongated, but not disintegrated, as in the species described above;
the tail is graduated, and none of its feathers are destitute of a web.
Upon the head and behind the ear are placed six long shafts, from which
the members of this group have derived their name, each terminating in
a feathery web. The plumage is of a deep black, except upon the breast,
which is golden green.
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The gorgeously attired EPIMACHI resemble the Birds of Paradise in the
peculiar elongation of the side and tail feathers and in the construction
of their feet; the beak alone differs in its formation, being long, thin,
and delicately curved.