The pole dancer

Tim Laman's Image

In the swamp rainforest of Papua New Guinea, a male twelve-wired bird of paradise starts its performance at first light.

Calling loudly, it reveals the emerald green inside of its beak, and flares its breast shield. The lack of mammal predators means that displaying is relatively safe for birds of paradise even for those displaying on the ground. Forests rich in fruit also mean that males have plenty of time and energy to practise and perform, and females aren’t reliant on them to raise their young.


Behind the lens

Tim Laman

Tim Laman

USA

Tim is a field biologist and wildlife photojournalist with a reputation for returning from the wild with shots of nearly impossible subjects. His pioneering research in the rainforest canopy led to a PhD from Harvard University and the first of many articles for National Geographic magazine. His work has garnered numerous awards, including many in Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • 400mm f4 lens
  • 1/45 sec at f4  •   ISO 1000
  • Island of New Guinea, Papua
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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