changeadminIt is a common sight to see female Bird species building intricate nests with sticks and twigs, which they later use to lay eggs and nurture their children.
There is a male species of birds in our biodiversity and what it does is simply incredible – Bowerbirds can be counted among the best architects and decorators in the bird world.
They do not construct nests for their children, instead, male species of Bowerbirds build elaborate structures, called Bowers, which serve as a platform to attract females for mating.
Male Bowerbirds build intricate bowers and then decorate these sites with brightly colored pebbles, fresh flowers, leaves, fruits, or even man-made objects like plastic waste.
The bowers consist of two parallel walls of sticks and are built on the ground. The decorated bowers become the stage for a ritualized performance of dancing and singing, all designed to attract a female.
So Bowerbird structures are one step before there is a need for nests. (wink wink)
Like Birds of Paradise, Bowerbirds are species found on the Eastern side of the Wallace Line, on the island of New Guinea, and in specific areas of Australia. There are more than 20 types of bowerbirds, and their colors and patterns vary dramatically.
Bowerbirds are found in a variety of different habitats, including tropical forests, mangroves, eucalyptus stands, and savanna woodlands. While the colors found in male Bowerbirds range from green, orange, red, yellow, black, brown, and gray, female bowerbirds are less flamboyant.
As the male bowerbirds reach the mature stage at the age of 6 or 7, they start constructing their bowers. Depending on the species, their structures are built and decorations are made, using the resources available in their habitat. The height of the structure can reach three meters.
The males spend most of their time meticulously maintaining the bower, arranging the decorations, calling to potential mates, and warning off potential rivals. The performance begins once the call is heard and the female takes the stage in the bower.
Take the case of the male Orange Flame Bowerbird found in southern New Guinea, which puts on a spectacular courtship display to convince the female.
The male Orange Flame Bowerbird starts his performance by dilating his pupils back and forth. Their black pupils enlarge and then suddenly disappear against their bright yellow iris. The catchy eye dancing is followed by weird sounds, waving off a single wing, turning his head, and simultaneously using his legs to rise up and down.
Similarly, the male Satin Bowerbird found in Australia performs a series of exaggerated movements, such as strutting and bowing, along with various sounds, such as buzzing and rattling.
If the performance receives approval and copulation happens, the female builds a separate nest where she will lay her eggs, while the male tries to attract other females.
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Image Source: Unsplash
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