h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

THat is one handsome bird---with all the disadvantages of those long tails it is remarkable that the species survives. It is interesting that they only get extremely di-morphic during breeding season not all the time like the silly peacocks. They remind me of South America's birds of paradise. Thanks for sharing these with us, Willem.

Hi Elektra! Thanks for the comment. I just wonder what determines the taste of the females of different species. For instance the females of *this* species of widowbird seem quite satisfied with their males in spite of their short tails: http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/ploceidae/euplectes_capensis.htm

They must find the big yellow spot sexy? I don't know it is really interesting though. I find it remarkable that it is a drastic annual makeover ---I couldn't imagine such a drastic change to happen each year---what months do they mate in?

Here is an interesting steampunk spaceship for you Willem:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2014/06/02/dr_evermor_s_forevertron_is_a_scrap_metal_sculpture_designed_to_look_like.html