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Display and Bower-Building in Bower Birds

Abstract

THE recent note on this subject by Marshall1 is of considerable interest in directing attention to the life-history of a remarkable group of birds. Of particular significance is the apparent correlation between the colours of the objects used by the male for decorating the bower and the more conspicuous colours of the female. If this correlation exists, it can have obvious epigamic value. Marshall studied especially the satin bower bird (Ptilinorhynchus violaceus (Viellot)), which prefers blue and green-yellow objects for decoration, and these colours can admittedly be correlated with the blue eyes of the female and the green-yellow of her plumage. But the spotted bower bird, a speckled brown bird with a bright mauve-red neck-tuft, shows preference for green and white objects, the white objects often consisting of bleached bones. Sometimes, with this species, green berries which have been placed in the bower turn red or yellow and are then promptly rejected. Yet another species, Newton's bower bird, with brown and yellow plumage, collects white flowers only. From the facts so far known, therefore, the correlation between choice of colours and plumage does not apparently extend to other Australian bower birds.

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References

  1. Nature, 153, 685 (1944).

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SMITH, S. Display and Bower-Building in Bower Birds. Nature 154, 119 (1944). https://doi.org/10.1038/154119a0

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