Great Bowerbird
Bower
Scientific Name: Chlamydera nuchalis
Size: 32 to 37 cm
What does it look like?
The male Great Bowerbird is a dull fawn coloured bird with darker mottling on the upperparts. The striking lilac crest, situated on the rear of the neck, is revealed only during courtship display, and much reduced or absent in the female. Its undulating flight is characteristic.
Where is it found?
The Great Bowerbird is distributed throughout northern Australia, north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Great Bowerbird inhabits the rainforest fringes, drier eucalypt forest and riverine woodlands. The male constructs a large bower, with two parallel, interwoven stick walls, which is decorated with a variety of objects, including bones and shells. Females are attracted to the bower by a series of calls, including mimicry of other bird species and machinery. Once a female is attracted the male attempts to seduce her with a series of exaggerated and contorted displays. As with most other Bowerbird species, the mated female, performs all nesting duties, while the polygamous male breeds with many females. The Great Bowerbird is a wary bird, and its drab plumage makes it difficult to observe amongst the foliage.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
