18th century illustration of the nest of an Indian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), a medium-sized passerine bird native to Asia, where it is widely distributed. males have elongated central tail feathers, and a black and rufous plumage in some populations, while others have white plumage. females are short-tailed with rufous wings and a black head. From Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux d'Afrique (Natural History of Birds of Africa), Volume 3, by Franeois Le Vaillant (1753-1824), published in Paris, France in 1799-1802. |