Field Notes on Australian Bower-birds and Cat-birds

Abstract

Summary The displays of the cryptically-coloured males of Chlamydera maculata and C. nuchalis at their bowers are divided into two phases: central and peripheral displays. In central displays a variety of special attitudes are used accompanied by special calls, while in peripheral displays the birds adopt a peculiar strutting gait with feathers either sleeked or ruffled and wings drooped or lifted. The two species show many similarities in their behaviour and the actions of both are reflected in the displays of the dimorphic Ptilonorhynchus vioiaceus. The bowers and actions at the bower of Prionodura newtoniana are also described, with notes on the duration of attentiveness by the owner-male over the year. Brief observations on the nesting of Ailuroedus maculosus include a description of distraction display by the female only. The stage-making Scenopoeetes dentirostris was also found to tend its bowers for a longer time than hitherto recorded, well into the start of the rainy season. Displays of this bird include a ground-running display and a head-jerking display, both being apparently analogous to parts of the central and peripheral displays of Chlamydera. The chick of this species is described and mild distraction display was seen.