Flying Hummingbird at a Strelitzia flower
Bird Of Paradise Bird Pictures, Images and Stock Photos
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The most famous Cenderawasih bird is a member of the Paradisaea genus, including its type species, the large yellow-Cenderawasih, Paradisaea apoda. This type is described from specimens brought to Europe from trade expeditions. This specimen was prepared by native traders by removing their wings and legs so that they could be used as decorations. This is unknown to explorers and has led to the belief that this bird never landed but remained in the air because of its feathers. This is the origin of the name bird of paradise ('bird of paradise' by the British) and the name of the type of apoda - which means 'legless'.