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13. Long-Tailed Widowbird



The Long-Tailed Widowbird is a common species in the savannahs and plains of South Africa. Males have a very long tail feathers that reach a length of about 20 inches (half a meter). During flight, they spread their plumage to attract females. The birds are polygamous, and on average there are about five females per family group.

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14. Greater Bird of Paradise



Common to southwest New Guinea and the Aru Islands of Indonesia, the Greater Bird of Paradise is an extraordinary bird that is also known as the 'legless bird-of-paradise'. This is because in the 18th and 19th centuries, their skin were set to Europe without legs, leading to the misconception that the birds were visitors from paradise that never touched the earth until their death. Fortunately, the bird is protected today and is ranked as 'least concern' by conservation agencies.

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15. Mandarin Duck



This fabulous bird can only be found in southwest Asia, in Russia's Far East during the summer and China and Japan in the winter. The bird is a fast, maneuverable flyer that takes off almost vertically. This kind of duck rarely dives, and usually these ducks perch on tree branches or relax on rocks. This special bird is highly respected and prized in Asia society.