And, for most, New Guinea was the launch pad.                                          

Three times the size of Britain, this is the largest tropical island in the world.....and the richest in animal life...with some truly eye-catching residents.                                                                    

Like this Goldie's Bird of paradise.                                                            

Never filmed before, Goldie's are just one of New Guinea's 38 species of bird of paradise - all famed for their spectacular plumage.                                           

Keen to show his impressive feathers to an attentive female, the male clears the stage.                                                                                     

Now he's ready for aspot of serenading.                                                          

BIRD SINGS                                                                                

Females may be dull looking but they are very picky.                                      

His solo fails to impress.                                                                 

A second male arrives and takes centre stage.                                           

But, rather than fight, they strike up a duet.