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| Great Bowerbird, Chlamydera nuchalis |
The Great Bowerbird can be found along the tropical northeastern coast of Australia. The bowerbirds,
Ptilonorhynchidae, are unique in their approach to male-male interactions. While some species, such as the
Great Bowerbird, have some vivid feathering seen during mating season, they are best known for creating wondrous bachelor pad-like nests. These nests serve no other purpose than to attract a female for mating. Using any colorful item available, readily including litter, they spend the majority of their time rearranging and decorating the area. Decorations are
often stolen by other males competing in the same area and may be used as
indications of the social status. The number of decorations, and therefore male fitness, are useful for females in mating decisions. While each species of bowerbird
varies in nest construction and decoration color preference, the goal is the same for all.
The Great Bowerbird prefers reds and greens. I never found out if this one was banded with the same colors as a joke, or for a purpose.
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