Pair of Lesser bird-of-paradise
Size: approx. 58cm x 46cm x 38cm
Description: A Victorian glass dome with a highly unusual arrangement of male and female Lesser Birds of Paradise in outstanding condition. Although male Lesser Birds of Paradise turn up from time to time, they are often badly faded or poorly stuffed. This one has neither of these defects. What is equally important and unusual is the fact that this dome houses a female. Female birds of paradise are only rarely encountered as the original collectors showed little interest in them, preferring the bright colours and decorative plumage of the males. In a way reminiscent of native New Guineans, who often use the ornamental plumes in their tribal headdresses, they believed that only the males had an appearance that would attract the attention of their customers. The likelihood of acquiring another female is, therefore, remote.