What is a bower?

A bower is a shelter or dwelling constructed by birds, particularly certain species of bowerbirds, to attract mates. These elaborate structures are built by male bowerbirds using sticks, grass, leaves, and other materials to create a display area for courtship rituals.

Bowers can vary in size and complexity depending on the species and individual bird constructing them. Some bowers are simple structures made of sticks, while others are intricate, decorated with colorful objects like flowers, feathers, shells, and even man-made objects like bottle caps or coins.

The purpose of the bower is not for nesting or raising young, but rather as a stage for the male bowerbird to display his creativity, aesthetic sense, and resources to attract a mate. Female bowerbirds will visit multiple bowers, evaluate the displays, and choose a mate based on the quality of the bower and the male's courtship behavior.

Bowerbirds are found primarily in Australia and New Guinea, where they inhabit forests and woodlands. These birds are known for their unique mating displays and fascinating behaviors related to bower construction.