the regent bowerbird is a medium-sized bird native to australia. like all bowerbirds, the male builds a large structure or ‘bower’ to impress females with. this particular species makes paint out of their saliva to decorate the bower, sometimes using leaves as paintbrushes to spread it.
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part of a male bowerbird’s courtship display includes elaborate dances. sometimes, these dances can be perceived as threatening by the female, particularly younger females with less experience. studies suggest that male bowerbirds react accordingly and, like gentlemen, adjust their dance to a pace that she prefers.
male and female satin bowerbirds, native to eastern australia, have very different plumage, but share their distinct violet-blue eye color.
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while not acknowledged as often as birds like swans or cardinals as symbols romance, bowerbirds go above and beyond to impress their mates. male bowerbirds build large semi-circular structures called bowers out of straw and twigs. then, the bowers are decorated with blue and yellow objects – typically flowers and plant material, but with increased human activity in their territory, recently objects like bottlecaps and straws have become popular among the birds. the female views different males’ bowers, and the males perform courtship dances for her. the male may also present her with objects he finds. when the female selects her mate, she builds her nest within the bower.
(pictured: satin bowerbirds)
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today's bird 