Page 91 - One Million Things: Animal Life - The Incredible Visual Guide

SAGE GROUSE
In the spring, sage grouse congregate
at communal areas called leks. Male
sage grouse strut around, fanning their
tail feathers, and puffing out large air
sacs to show off yellow neck patches
and attract as many females as possible.

During the breeding season in Africa,
NIGHTJAR
the male standard-winged nightjar
develops elongated central wing
feathers. He circles a potential mate
and raises these feathers vertically to
impress her during dusk display flights.
BIRD OF PARADISE
Male Raggiana’s birds of paradise
are flamboyant with long, brightly
colored feathers. In the forests of
New Guinea, males try to outdo
their rivals by displaying their
finery, including black tail wires.
BLUE PEAFOWL
CRANE
A native of south Asia, the male
peafowl, or peacock, is brightly colored
with elongated, patterned tail feathers.
Female peahens, on the other hand,
Generally mating for life, cranes
have drab plumage. During courtship,
engage in an elaborate courtship
the peacock raises his tail feathers into a
display at the beginning of the
magnificent fan.
breeding season. These Japanese
cranes perform an intricate dance
by bowing and leaping into the air.

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