spotted bowerbird

bird

Also known as: Chlamydera maculata

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The spotted bowerbird (Chlamydera maculata) is a bird species native to the scrublands of Australia. It belongs to the family Ptilonorhynchidae, which includes about 20 species found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.12

Bowerbirds are known for their unique courtship rituals. Males construct elaborate structures called bowers, which they decorate with bright objects like bleached bone or bits of glass, to attract females. The spotted bowerbird builds an "avenue" type bower, characterized by two parallel walls of sticks that may arch over, situated on a circular mat of twigs. After building and decorating the bower, the male displays and sings loudly to attract a mate, who then lays her eggs in a separate nest.123

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bowerbird
…and its relatives; and the spotted bowerbird (Chlamydera maculata) and its relatives. Satin and regent bowerbirds make a paint of vegetable pulp, charcoal, and saliva and apply it to the interior walls; a daub of green leaves may be used—a rare instance of a bird using a tool.
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…and its relatives; and the spotted bowerbird (Chlamydera maculata) and its relatives. Satin and regent bowerbirds make a paint of vegetable pulp, charcoal, and saliva and apply it to the interior walls; a daub of green leaves may be used—a rare instance of a bird using a tool.
Read More