There are around 40 different kinds of bird of paradise, and most of them live only on the island of New Guinea or nearby. Each one looks completely different. Some have long curling tails twice the length of their body. Some have feathers that look like ribbons. The 'blue' bird of paradise flips upside down on a branch and spreads its feathers into a glowing blue triangle.
Most of the show is done by the male birds. They have learned to dance. Each kind has its own dance - some hop along branches, some bow up and down, some spin in circles, some clear a 'stage' of leaves on the forest floor and then strut across it. Female birds of paradise watch carefully and pick the best dancer to start a family with.
Because the dance is so important, young male birds spend years learning. They practise alone, then near other young males, then in front of females. A grown-up male knows his dance so well he can do it perfectly even after months of not seeing another bird.
Birds of paradise live high in the rainforest. They eat fruit and small insects. The Raggiana bird of paradise - the one on the PNG flag - has bright red and yellow plumes that fan out like a feathery skirt. When sunlight hits the feathers, they almost glow.