Bower Birds , Australia's grand home-builder
The medium sized bowerbird is found on the eastern and southeastern coasts of Australia, particularly wetter forests and woodlands. As adults, hey become very solitary and are known for the grand structures they build to attract females.
The structure is known as a bower, and mainly comprises of twigs and grass, which are meticulously placed in an upright circle-fashion. Around it the bowerbird carefully places various decorative objects such as flowers, feathers and stones. This bower building is an innate behaviour, as the male is never taught how to do it.
The display the male performs in front of his nest is also innate knowledge, and he does so to further attract females. It begins when a prospective partner arrives to inspect his nest and how ‘wealthy’ he is which is judged by the quality of the bower and his treasures
surrounding it. Whilst she inspects, the male bowerbird struts, bows and produces various calls. If impressed, the female will mate with him in the bower however then leave to prepare a separate nest to lay her eggs and raise her young alone.
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