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No collection by David Attenborough would be complete without one of his favourite kinds of animals - the birds of paradise. This footage shows the lavish courtship displays performed by some of the most magnificent species.

The male of each bird of paradise species has its own plumage and display. The superb bird of paradise has an iridescent shield on its chest and an umbrella of feathers on its neck.

The various types of six-wired bird have quills on their heads, and clear areas of the forest floor to dance on. The female is not so splendid. She tours the dancing courts and will mate with one of the gaudy males. She will rear the young with no help from him.

The magnificent bird of paradise has two tail quills and three capes on his shoulder. He strips leaves off saplings to create a pool of light to display in. The males only have these lavish feathers in the breeding season and they preen them diligently, displaying whether a female is there or not.

The Emperor of Germany bird has a surprising climax to his courtship display - he hangs upside down from a branch.

Count Raggi's bird raises a fountain of red feathers over his back. But to David Attenborough the most thrilling display is by the blue bird of paradise. It too hangs upside down from a branch and makes a weird call that doesn't sound at all like a bird.

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