The Birds of the Gods

Abstract

The Birds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae) exhibit an extraordinarily diverse array of plumages and behaviours which have been the subject of scientific and public interest for hundreds of years. Much about their behaviours and ecology is still not understood. This study applies the Goldsmith (1990) avian tetrahedral colour space model to reassess male plumage colouration within the clade and map it onto recently published phylogenetic data. This thesis investigates how different colour characteristics have evolved and aims to provide speculative explanations for some of these trends. As well as quantifying the breadth of colours produced by male birds of paradise using the tetrahedral colour space model, the findings of the colour trait mapping provide evidence for a rapid, explosive radiation of colour that does not follow any linear phylogenetic path throughout the family. This research adds to the scientific knowledge by providing a comprehensive and fundamental basis for further research and suggesting some possible future directions.