A newly discovered bird has feathers that absorb 99.95% of the light
The magnificent bird of paradise (Lophorina superba) is famous for its black plumage, so extremely black that it absorbs 99.95% of the sunlight in front (technically black absorbs 99.96%). Now, new research published in PeerJ reveals that it is not one but two different species of birds.
The males sport extremely dark feathers and almost neon turquoise markings, but when the Vogelkop shows its plumage in an attempt to woo the nearby females, it creates a crescent shape with a sharp tip and the illusion of a puckered face. In contrast, the Greater Superb has a rounded shape and the image of a smiling face.
But it's not just the males. The females are also different. As with many species, they tend to be simpler. Both have brown wings and a striped torso, but the head of the Vogelkop is black, while the head of the female Greater Superb is white with a brown mark around the eyes (very similar to a mask of the Fox).
For more information about this bird please watch this video