Satin Bowerbird (male)

Description:

A passion for all things blue! The male Satin Bowerbird has a glossy blue-black plumage, a pale bluish white bill and a violet-blue iris. It is best known for building an incredible bower to attract females and decorating it with bright blue coloured objects. Find out more in the notes.

Habitat:

Forests, woodlands, rainforest and nearby open areas. Distribution: Eastern and South-Eastern coast of Australia. Spotted here in the Lamington Range National Park, Queensland

Notes:

The bower built by this bird consists of two parallel walls of sticks (picture 4), is built on the ground, and is used as a courtship arena during the breeding season. The male decorates it with bright blue objects that it collects or steals: blue clothes pegs, pens, drinking straws and bottle tops are favourites. This one has found some blue paper and bits of plastic. Away from human habitations it will find bright blue parrot feathers, flowers, berries and brown snail shells. The bower is carefully maintained throughout the year. On the arrival of a female, the male Satin Bowerbird engages into a sophisticated display of movements and calls while carrying one of the bower decorations. If impressed, the female moves into the bower avenue for mating and then leaves to nest on her own. The male can then court more prospective females. Immature or female Satin Bowerbirds resemble Green Catbirds. Watch it all there! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ32_ijdm...