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Ptilonorhynchus violaceus
Female & juvenile male - upper parts greenish grey & brown, under parts creamy with a distinct brown scalloping. Mature male 7yrs+ - entirely blue-black with a glossy sheen, bill pale & eyes intense lilac - Very shy!!
Rainforest & wet eucalypt forest in Sth East Australia.
Adult males build & decorate a 'bower' in which they dance/display to attract females. They only use deep bright blue items and their placement is specific and touched up regularly. Their displays are accompanied by a unique collection of calls including static like buzzing, clicks and some mimicry. The bower pictured has been maintained by the same male bower bird for 8+ years.
9 Comments
Thanx, they are stunning & very shy so it helps to have a long term resident bower nearby! Cheers
Great spotting Sera.
I remembered reading that bird eyes are sensitive to red...as in ripening fruits but you have a very valid point....mate selection is an equally important task. Thanks.
I often think that perhaps he feels the blue brings out the intense blue lights in his plumage - helping him to attract the females.
How artistic! I wonder why the bird prefers blue...Thank you for sharing.
Thanx - the bowers are extraordinary & this one contains things (the 1/2 sphere) that my kids left out for it a few years ago! Very cool.
I love # 5 and 6; the bowers!
Thanx, they're pretty extraordinary!
Great info (and photos) about these beautiful birds!