Satin Bowerbird
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JJ_Harrison" title="User:JJ Harrison">JJ Harrison</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameSatin Bowerbird
Common NameSatin Bowerbird
Scientific NamePtilonorhynchus violaceus
FamilyPtilonorhynchidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)180
Plumage DetailsAdult males display iridescent, glossy blue-black plumage with bright violet-blue eyes and a yellowish bill. Females and immature males are duller, typically green-brown on the upperparts with a paler, scalloped underside, and blue eyes.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations are highly varied, including harsh rasps, hisses, churring, and a remarkable ability to mimic other birds and environmental sounds. They also produce a range of whistles and buzzing notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsrainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, eucalyptus forest, woodland, suburban gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to eastern Australia, its range extends from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria.
Identifying Featuresglossy blue-black plumage (males), violet-blue eyes (males), elaborate bower decorated with blue objects (males), green-brown plumage (females), mimicry in calls
Description
The Satin Bowerbird is renowned for the male's striking glossy blue-black plumage and his elaborate bower-building ritual. Males construct intricate stick structures, decorating them with blue objects to attract females. Females are duller, exhibiting green-brown plumage.
