He's Got the Blues !

Sometimes, you run across animal behavior that makes you smile. Such is the life of the male Satin Bowerbird.  He's a bit unassuming at first glance...

But he has a few tricks up his wing!  It seems this particular species of Bowerbird has a love for all things blue..  In the wild, he would normally gather blue berries and pebbles for his bachelor's bower... but times have changed.  Due to the decline of their natural habitat and recent close proximity to people, the birds have begun to collect - even steal - from trash cans, picnic grounds, and neighboring backyards.  One man's trash truly is another bird's treasure.

The Bowerbird constructs an elaborate nest, or bower, which he then adorns with items of his own choosing... items he hopes the ladies will find irresistible.  Different species of Bowerbirds decorate with items indigenous to their region and habitat, and the sizes of their bowers vary from species to species.

 This fellow sure has been working hard to collect his impressive blue treasure trove...

Perhaps he chose blue to match her striking blue eyes...

Whatever his reasons, she seems impressed! 

For more information about these intriguing birds, check out this wonderful video narrated by David Attenborough.

A Few Bowerbird Facts:

• There are 17 species of Bowerbirds in Australia in New Guinea
• Each species builds its own shape of bower and prefers a different decorating theme
• Items found in bowers include: moss, twigs, feathers, coins, straws, key chains, bottle caps, aluminum foil, flowers, pebbles, charcoal, small toys, shells, nails, glass, rifle shells, and even a glass eye.
• Satin Bowerbirds paint the walls of their bowers with "chewed" berries or charcoal
• The male Bowerbird constantly rearranges his treasures, fine-tuning his masterpiece
• Young male Bowerbirds often steal treasures from their more experienced rivals