Bowerbirds are named for the elaborate bowers a male will build to attract a female. The bower has no other purpose. Once a pair mates, the male will often kick the female out, tidy up, and wait for a new female. There are 20 species of bowerbirds, ten living in Australia, with plumages in every color. One striking feature of the Satin bowerbird species is their bright purple eye color.
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Juvenile bowerbirds are a satiny olive drab color. As the males mature, their feathers change to a deep midnight blue/black color, while females maintain the greenish hue. Both males and females have striking purple eyes.
Male bowerbirds build elaborate bowers to attract mates. The more lackluster their plumage, the more intricate their structures are. Once the bower is complete, the male searches for decor, primarily blue. To enhance attraction, they may place flowers, plastic, and other items around the bower.
Males also perform an elaborate mating ritual when females are near. The bower serves one purpose: to attract female bowerbirds. Once mating is complete, the male stays near his bower while the female flies off to build a nest. Males may mate with several females during a season.
When they are not actively courting and mating, male birds constantly prowl for shiny baubles. The birds may steal decorations from other bowers. They may also destroy the bowers of other males. This action decreases the fierce competition for mates.
Satin bowerbirds prefer wet rainforest, acacia, and eucalyptus forest areas. They reside predominantly along the Australian coastlines. All but one species of bowerbird builds bowers, but many others are equally beautiful and incredible.
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