402 THE BIRDS OF PARADISE. [ch. xxxviii. 



little bird. The two middle tail feathers are modified into 

 very slender wire-like shafts, nearly six inches long, each 

 of which bears at the extremity, on the inner side only, 

 a web of an emerald green colour, which is coiled up into 

 a perfect spiral disc, and produces a most singular and 

 charming effect. The bill is orange yellow, and the feet 

 and legs of a fine cobalt blue, (See upper figure on the 

 plate at the commencement of tliis chapter.) 



The female af this little gem is such a plainly coloured 

 bird, that it can at first sight hardly be believed to belong 

 to the same species. The upper surface is of a dull earthy 

 brown, a slight tinge of orange red appearing only on 

 tlie margins of the quUls. Beneath, it is of a paler yel- 

 lowish brown, scaled and banded with narrow dusky 

 markings. 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 



