Bowerbirds

The family of Ptilonorhynchidae comprises of Bowerbirds and Catbirds. Here, we are only looking at Bowerbirds. Catbirds deserve their own page altogether!

There are 8 Bowerbirds in Australia and they are well known for their glorious plumage and elaborate courtship bowers. All but one species spend an inordinate amount of time building and maintaining these bowers. What I particularly love is their unique hissing call. That is usually a first indication that there is a Bowerbird close by. 

There are 4 species that are brownish and the same shape - the Great, Fawn-breasted, Spotted and Western. 

3 are spectacularly coloured - the Regent, Satin and Golden. 

And then there is the Tooth-billed Bowerbird, which is unusual in a family of unusual birds.

A very odd collection of birds. 

Below are some photos of the species and links to further information, videos and location details. I am still missing the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird. But that is what bucket lists are for!