He'll kill for Blue

Hi Everyone,

OK, I wasn't going to respond to this email but being originally a Cairns resident living in Sydney, I have often marvelled at what Satin Bowerbirds collect to adorn their bowers.

Some examples of what I have seen are (naturally all blue)

Pegs
Bottle caps
Plastic bags
Hairbands
Drinking straws
Turquoise earring
Quandongs
Glass (maybe from a smashed blue wine bottle?)

Unfortunately I have never seen them do anything with flowers but I'm sure this was only due to a lack of available blue flowers in the area where I have seen bowers.  Also, I have never heard about Bowerbirds killing others they perceive to be threatening so that was new for me.

Unless anyone can tell me news to the contrary I have heard that Bowerbirds are almost similar to humans with the construction of these bowers.  Apparently the more elaborate the bower, the easier it is to attract a younger female.  Older females aren't that easily enticed therefore the male has to perform quite an elaborate dance to impress her if she is the only female available.  Is what I have heard wrong?  If it is true, then these birds are more interesting than meets the eye.

Would be interested to hear any comments.

Regards,

Inger


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