An avenue of thought: Bowerbirds

There's a lot of specificity involved with many things in bird related literature. Defined lines on distribution maps, exact measurements on wingspans & bill lengths & breeding times nailed down to the month. It makes sense. We're human and we like to define things, see things within certain parameters and classify them. So, it seems unusual when that specificity extends into other defined taxonomic groups.

Western Bowerbird tends to its bower - Nallan Station

On a recent workload of guiding through the Midwest, Pilbara & Kimberley I spent more time around bowers made by Western Bowerbirds & Great Bowerbirds than I ever have before. I took videos (above & below) that show the males of each species tending carefully to their bowers. That time spent had me curious. Do these species of bowerbirds adhere to our taxonomic sensibilities and choose specific species of trees and shrubs from which to take the materials for their bower?

My thoughts in the moment were confused. The initial question was prompted by the methodical nature that one Western Bowerbird approached its arched avenue. So carefully it would return after a few minutes away to nestle a perfect length of twig into a location that only a member of that species could appreciate. But then in front of the bower, on its display platform, was a mess. A mess I've always understood to be of considered curation. How though? With the mix of random objects placed with seeming reckless abandon. From my very human perspective I would expect colour coding or patterning amongst the shapes. The perfection of the parallel walls juxtaposed against the clutter of the display platform had me very interested.

At Lake Argyle I was provided with another opportunity to watch a bowerbird tend to its creation. A Great Bowerbird this time, a very close cousin. This time I tried to see if the twigs were the same as each other while I waited for its return. My untrained eye could see nothing more than the broader classification of 'thin brown twig' involved. Further strain on the brain had me realising across the broad ranges of both of these species, it was unlikely that the same plants would be used throughout. The Great Bowerbird returned to adjust the positioning of some refuse from a nearby Cafe, screeched and gurgled, imitated the sweet song of nearby songbirds and flashed its bright pink mohawk as if to make a point. I didn't quite get it.

Great Bowerbird at its bower - Lake Argyle

 I'd review when I got home. The massive tome of Johnstone & Storr usually has the answers. Specific with diet and plumage variation as it often is, unfortunately it was not regarding bower materials of either species. And at that point I gave up and decided to write this instead, hoping maybe I'd realise something in the meantime.

 So here is what I’ve realised. I’ve taken things from the bowerbird’s perspective as those bowers are supposed to be seen and concluded that it really doesn’t matter what species of shrub the twigs originate from. Just as a piece of alfoil or an ancient screw can be as attractive as a kangaroo vertebra or shining white quartz, a twig that is beautiful and fits exactly right is beautiful regardless of its origins.

What these bowerbirds create and curate is artful. And as all art is, it is best understood from the unique perspective of the artist.. or at least in this case the perspective of that exact species. Next time I'll watch with far less of an analytical brain and see where that perspective takes me.

But, until then, if you do know what species of shrub they prefer... please do let me know!