Ptilonorhynchidae - bowerbirds
There are 19 species of birds in this family. They are found in the forests of Australia and New Guinea. They are 9-15 inches in length and have rounded wings; short, straight to slightly curved bills; and sturdy legs and feet. They range in color from browns and blacks to blues and greens. Males are usually more colorful than females.
The most unique feature of bowerbirds is the courtship behavior of males. Males build elaborate bowers to attract females. These bowers are made on the forest floor with leaves, grass, twigs, and moss. The bowers are often decorated with feathers, berries, flower, shells, stones, and any other brightly colored or shiny object the bowerbird can find like coins, bottle caps, and aluminum foil! One species of bowerbird, the satin bowerbird, even paints the wall of his bower with chewed berries! The satin bowerbird is especially fond of blue objects!
World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.
US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Breeds in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game
New Hampshire Species |
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North/Central American Species |
None
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None |
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