Most males sing loudly, if not musically to our ears, while displaying. All species, as far as is known, are solitary nesters. Most species lay 1-2, occasionally 3, eggs. Incubation, where known, is between 14 and 26 days with most species taking around 18-19 days. Birds of Paradise hybridise in the wild, perhaps more so than any other bird family and 21 different crosses are recorded as having happened in the wild.
Hybridisation appears to be limited to the polygynous species.
The relationship between man and Birds of Paradise has been based almost entirely on trading the exotic and colourful plumes of the males for most of the history of civilisation. It is known that they were highly valued in Asia 2000 years ago, however, they did not become know to the western world until the 16th century. In 1520 the Sultan of Batchian presented the Portuguese Sea Captain Magellan with several Birds of Paradise skins as presents for the King of Spain. They described them as Birds of the Gods and they created quite a stir in Europe when they arrived. The New Guinea natives prepared skins for export by removing their feet and wings.