The Manucaudiata or Manuqdewata (bird of the gods) is a legendary bird that is believed to be from paradise.
Description
They are beautiful birds with colorful plumage, long tail feathers, and no feet. Some versions say they are wingless.
Behavior
These birds were said to always fly; they would never touch the ground. They would fly with their faces towards the sun, until they died. The female would lay her eggs on the male's back, and hatch them as he flew. Some versions said they lived on air, others said they lived on dew and the nectar of spice trees.
Place
They are found in Java and Malay and New Guinea.
History
Konrad Gesner described this bird that "never sits upon the earth or any other thing, being born in Paradise."
Theory
Some varieties of the bird family Paradisaeidae, found in New Guinea and nearby islands. In the past, the natives prepared the dead birds for sale to foreigners by removing the legs and wings from them, which created this illusion.