Great bowerbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great bowerbird |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chlamydera
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| Species: |
nuchalis
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The great bowerbird (Chlamydera nuchalis) is a special bird found in northern Australia. You can spot it from Broome all the way to Cape York Peninsula. It also lives as far south as Mount Isa. These birds like to live in many different places. They enjoy forests, woodlands, and areas near vine forests. You might also find them near monsoon forests and mangrove swamps.
Great bowerbirds are part of the bowerbird family. For these birds, building a special home is very important. Female birds build their nests quietly and raise their young alone. Male birds spend most of the year doing something else. They build, fix, and protect their amazing bowers. They also use these bowers to show off! Only a male with a great bower can find a mate.
The great bowerbird is the biggest bird in its family. It grows to be about 33 to 38 centimeters long. Its feathers are a fawny grey color. Male birds have a small, bright pink crest on the back of their neck. This crest is easy to see.
Contents
What is a Bower?
A bower is like a special display area built by the male bird. It has two walls and looks like an avenue. It is about 1 meter long and 45 centimeters high. The bower is usually built under a bush or a leafy branch.
The male bird decorates the ends of his bower with white and green things. He uses stones, bones, shells, and leaves. Sometimes, he even uses small human-made items. These can include pieces of plastic or bottle caps. Inside the bower, you might find clear glass pieces.
How Young Males Learn to Build Bowers
Great bowerbirds are unique among bowerbirds. Young male birds sometimes gather at one bower. They practice their bower-building skills together. This helps them learn before they build their own bower. They need their own bower to attract a mate.
How Males Attract Mates
Male great bowerbirds perform a special dance to attract females. They usually do this dance at the north end of their bower. Their bowers are often built facing north and south. During the best mating times, which are early mornings, the sun shines on the north end. This light makes the male's bright pink crest look even more amazing.
While dancing, the male often holds a colorful object in his mouth. He bobs his head up and down during his display. This helps him show off his impressive feathers and building skills.
Gallery
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An adult great bowerbird
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A bower built by a great bowerbird
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A bower near Cooktown, Australia
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A male bird showing the start of his bright neck feathers
See also
In Spanish: Pergolero grande para niños
