BOWERBIRDS
Bowerbirds make up the bird family Ptilonorhynchidae. They are known for its tendency to create elaborate and decorative nests in order to attract a mate. The family has twenty species in eight genera. They mainly eat fruit but their diet also consists of insects, flowers, nectar and leaves. The distribution of bowerbirds is centered on the tropical regions of New Guinea and northern Australia, with some species extending into central, western, and southeastern Australia. All bowerbird species are polygynous, with the exception of the Ailuroedus Catbirds, who are monogamous. Most bowerbirds have a lek-like mating system and males have no role in parental care.
Bowerbirds make up the bird family Ptilonorhynchidae. They are known for its tendency to create elaborate and decorative nests in order to attract a mate. The family has twenty species in eight genera. They mainly eat fruit but their diet also consists of insects, flowers, nectar and leaves. The distribution of bowerbirds is centered on the tropical regions of New Guinea and northern Australia, with some species extending into central, western, and southeastern Australia. All bowerbird species are polygynous, with the exception of the Ailuroedus Catbirds, who are monogamous. Most bowerbirds have a lek-like mating system and males have no role in parental care.
NESTS
Bowerbirds are primarily known for their unique mating ritual. In order to attract females, the males of most bowerbird species build complex shelters, known as bowers, out of twigs, leaves, and moss. The male does not stop here, however, as he "decorates" his bower with a variety of objects such as flowers, berries, pebbles, and feathers. Males may often use human made objects they have found, such as coins, buttons, bottle caps, marbles, and more. Some pictures of these intriguing nests can be seen below:
Bowerbirds are primarily known for their unique mating ritual. In order to attract females, the males of most bowerbird species build complex shelters, known as bowers, out of twigs, leaves, and moss. The male does not stop here, however, as he "decorates" his bower with a variety of objects such as flowers, berries, pebbles, and feathers. Males may often use human made objects they have found, such as coins, buttons, bottle caps, marbles, and more. Some pictures of these intriguing nests can be seen below:
Males arrange the decorative objects very meticulousy. Every decoration has a specific and intended place. If a certain decoration were to be moved or disrupted while the male is away from the bower, he will immediately place it back in its original position upon returning. Males choose objects based on what color they think will give them the best chance of seducing a female.
MALE STEALING AND DESTRUCTION
Not only does the male bowerbird go to great lengths to decorate and adorn his own nest, he tends to steal and even go as far as to destroy the bowers of other males in order to draw more attention to his own, and increase his likelihood of attracting a mate. Bowerbirds are so dedicated to making the perfect nest they may spend hours decorating and only break concentration when he goes to another bird's nest to steal or vandalize
Not only does the male bowerbird go to great lengths to decorate and adorn his own nest, he tends to steal and even go as far as to destroy the bowers of other males in order to draw more attention to his own, and increase his likelihood of attracting a mate. Bowerbirds are so dedicated to making the perfect nest they may spend hours decorating and only break concentration when he goes to another bird's nest to steal or vandalize