Bower. The current online Oxford Dictionary includes a special definition (‘4’): ‘An intricate or elaborate structure created and adorned by a bowerbird in order to attract a mate.’ ‘Mate’
might be overstating it. Perhaps ‘casual partner’ would be more apt. Anyway, this meaning has entered the language, as used by Doug here without reference to a bowerbird. OED gives 1869 as first example of this sense. In fact it was used by Gould much earlier.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Doug Laing via Canberrabirds
Sent: Sunday, 11 October 2026 7:58 AM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Male whipbird at ANBG
Yesterday morning one male heard then seen running on ground towards an active bower in lower section of the Gardens. Not sure if I have ever recorded one at this location, if I have it’s a very long time ago!
Doug Laing
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