Birds of paradise feathers exhibit structural absorption, leading to super black plumage with extremely low reflectance. This phenomenon is achieved through modified barbule microstructures that increase multiple light scattering, resulting in enhanced structural absorption. The feathers have a directional reflectance bias, appearing darkest when viewed from the distal direction. This structural absorption is hypothesized to have evolved to enhance the perceived brilliance of adjacent color patches during courtship displays. The study used spectrophotometry, SEM, nano-CT, and ray-tracing simulations to analyze the microstructure and light scattering properties of the feathers. Super black feathers have a unique barbule morphology with tilted arrays that create deep, curved cavities, increasing light scattering and absorption. The results show that super black feathers have a reflectance as low as 0.05–0.31%, comparable to man-made super black materials. The findings highlight the importance of structural absorption in determining visual appearance, alongside pigments and structural coloration. The study also discusses the potential applications of super black feathers in optical, thermal, and solar technologies. The research underscores the role of structural absorption in evolutionary processes and coloration mechanisms in birds.Birds of paradise feathers exhibit structural absorption, leading to super black plumage with extremely low reflectance. This phenomenon is achieved through modified barbule microstructures that increase multiple light scattering, resulting in enhanced structural absorption. The feathers have a directional reflectance bias, appearing darkest when viewed from the distal direction. This structural absorption is hypothesized to have evolved to enhance the perceived brilliance of adjacent color patches during courtship displays. The study used spectrophotometry, SEM, nano-CT, and ray-tracing simulations to analyze the microstructure and light scattering properties of the feathers. Super black feathers have a unique barbule morphology with tilted arrays that create deep, curved cavities, increasing light scattering and absorption. The results show that super black feathers have a reflectance as low as 0.05–0.31%, comparable to man-made super black materials. The findings highlight the importance of structural absorption in determining visual appearance, alongside pigments and structural coloration. The study also discusses the potential applications of super black feathers in optical, thermal, and solar technologies. The research underscores the role of structural absorption in evolutionary processes and coloration mechanisms in birds.