What Is So Special About The Bowerbird?

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Guest

asked 3 years ago

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The bowerbird is part of the Ptilonorhymchidae family of birds, found in parts of Australia and New Guinea.  It is possibly the most advance form of bird in the world.
It is special because it builds a bower house to attract its mate.  It is usually a definite structure, which grows more and more elaborate.  The bower is even adorned with shiny items and berries are also used.  Sometimes the berries may be crushed and some ornithologists believe this is to act as decoration ie the dye from the berries is used to 'decorate' the bower.  So the bowerbird can actually use tools and implements.
Birds will steal items which are shinier from other bowers and if something in  the bower is moved while they are out, it will be fastidiously moved back upon their return.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the bower, is that those with the dullest plummage always build the most elaborate bowers !

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Hedgehog

answered 3 years ago

elaborate bowers - yes I've heard of this - birds are known for the males evolving outrageous "sexually selected" features for attracting a mate only these features also handicap the males in some manner such as not only do they attract females but they also attract predators and the usually take time and, most important, energy to develop and maintain. the removing of these features from their bodies and extending them to their bowers is not only very intelligent but may prove to be a better evolutionarily stable strategy for birds in general... time will tell!!

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commented 2 years ago