By observing its courtship appearance and dance, researchers were able to confirm the rare Vogelkop superb bird of paradise as a new species.
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A new species of bird of paradise has been hiding under our noses. This is the male Vogelkop superb bird of paradise, found in Western New Guinea. It was originally thought to be the same bird as the famous "smiley face" superb bird of paradise. Recent observations show that their courtship characteristics are different. The Vogelkop's black cape is less oval, and its blue breast feathers look more like a "frowny face." Its courtship dance is less bouncy when it circles a potential mate. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has been conducting an eight-year-long Birds-of-Paradise Project.

Read more in "New Bird Dances to Its Own Beat, and More Amazing Discoveries"
https://on.natgeo.com/2NHm9E9

Rare Footage of New Bird of Paradise Species Shows Odd Courtship Dance | Nat Geo Wild
   • Rare Footage of New Bird of Paradise ...  

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