This is BirdNode, a few times each year.

The eastern paradise Wida puts on its party clothes.

This small finch found in East Africa is just five inches long with a black tail, brown

back, and patterned face markings.

But when it's time to mate, the male molds into breeding plumage, his head turns glossy

black, his neck, golden yellow, and breast a vivid orange.

But the best part?

He sprouts extravagant, long, black tail feathers two or three times the length of his body.

The male paradise Wida's tail feathers are not just super long, but also broad as if

they belong to a much bigger bird.

It almost looks like the bird is wearing a long, black cape.

That's how it got its nickname, the widow bird, because it looks like a widowed woman

in black morning clothes.

It's a competitive scene during breeding season, with lots of long-tailed males chasing

one another.

The more a male gets chased, the more likely he is to grow a slightly shorter tail, which

could make it harder for him to stand up for the ladies.

So just remember, never underestimate the power of a good party outfit.

For BirdNode, I'm Mary McCann.