BOWERBIRD FAMILY: Architecture Does Matter

Best known for building elaborate bowers for mating, Bowerbirds have fascinated humans curious about how such an ordinary Bird could be so creative. Depending on their particular species, Male Bowerbirds build different types of bowers (AKA bachelor pads) to entice Female Bowerbirds to come in for mating. The more ornate Bowerbirds build simpler structures while the less colorful Birds construct more elaborate bowers.

The “Stagemaker” Bowerbirds set the stage by the simplest means. They clear out a section of ground, and then festoon the area with colourful leaves and flowers. Like the other Bowerbirds, They constantly tend the area, replacing wilted flowers with fresh ones.

The “Gardeners” (AKA “Maypole builders”) lay their twigs around a base of a tree. They pile up twigs in a circular runway with an inner and outer wall. After clearing an open space in the front of the structure, these Bowerbirds proudly display their shells, stones, and other prizes that They have collected.
The most elaborate of structures are those erected by the “Avenue Builders”. They make bowers of sticks denoting of narrow avenues between mats of grass. Like the other Bowerbirds, They decorate their bowers with shiny, brightly coloured objects.

The purpose of this building by Male Bowerbirds is to attract Females. Dancing outside his entrance, Male Bowerbird sings in liquid tones to entice Female Bowerbird to come in. Also, for her perusal, He lays out his treasures such as gold coins, shiny eyeglasses, and bright flowers.

A young Bowerbird learning how to build a bower will watch his Father construct his. Then He will practise by straightening up his father’s bower. Afterwards, He will build one of his own. Through the years, Bowerbird will develop his own sense of style as He constructs his various bowers.

According to the Australian Aboriginal Peoples, Djuwe, the Great Bowerbird taught the people how to build special shelters for initiation ceremonies. Let Bowerbird teach you how to design buildings to inspire and delight others. Learn the art of building from the Bowerbird Family. Remember that architecture does matter to the human spirit.