Ecology

ECOLOGY OF THE

2603ENV
Sophia Cassimatis - s2842743
Patricia Hall s2840330

SATIN BOWERBIRD

Indy Horobin - s2943207

Umair Rana - s2948814

Table of Contents

Introduction..3
1. Biology of the Satin Bowerbird.....3
1. Reproduction.........4
2. Diet..4
3. Vocalisations......5
4. Distribution5
2. Bowers and Breeding6
1. Ultraviolet plumage and parasites...6
2. Behavioural adaptions..8
3. Courtship and copulation.9
3. Sexual competition and decoration collection..10
1. Bower destruction...10
2. Decoration collection..10
4. Impacts, threats and conservation.12
5. Conclusion....13
6. References14

List of figures
Figure 1. Male Satin Bowerbird showing glossy blue-black plumage in sunlight3
Figure 2. Satin Bowerbird range (Rowland 2008)5
Figure 3. Associations between five male attributes (signals) potentially used by females in
mate choice and four indicators of male quality (information) in the satin bowerbird
(Doucet& Montgomerie 2003)...7
Figure 4. Satin Bowerbird bower showing protected location and exposure to sunlight, to
enhance decorations...7
Figure 5. Satin Bowerbird bower showing use of yellow leaves as a base layer in an attempt
to accentuate the blue decorations..8
Figure 6. Objects found at two different bowers located within Lamington National Park,
Queensland...11

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Introduction
The Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) is a passerine found within the
Ptilonorhynchidae family, which includes 20 different species. These are separated into five
genera: Ailuroedus, Amblyornis, Ptilonorhynchus, Scenopoeetes and Sericulus, (Rowland
2008) which are found only in Australia and New Guinea (Diamond 1986; Rowland 2008).
Bowerbirds are separated into three categories, depending on the type of breeding structure
that the male bird builds. These categories are; maypole-builders, catbirds and avenuebuilders, which is where Satin Bowerbirds are placed (Diamond 1986). Satin Bowerbirds are
considered to be exceptionally intelligent and studies show that they have ability to use
problem solving techniques, especially when the problem is located in the area of their bower
(Keagy et al. 2009). Breeding motivation is considered to be the major driving force behind
their problem solving abilities, as the male birds rely on keeping the most exquisite looking
bower to increase their chances at reproduction (Borgia 1985; Keagy et al. 2009). In addition
to cognitive abilities, Satin Bowerbirds are known for their defensive behaviour and thieving
habits; both of which are also directly related to reproductive success (Borgia 1985; Diamond
1986).
This report will discuss the ecological behaviour of the Satin Bowerbird that will highlight its
general biology, breeding and impacts to humans. These aspects will further draw upon the
species habitat, distribution, threats, habits, bowers, social structure, and human interactions.
1. Biology of the Satin Bowerbird
Satin Bowerbirds show sexual dimorphism, with the only similarity between the two sexes
being the bright purple-blue iris. Males are slightly larger than females and their plumage is a
glossy blue-black, which shows iridescence in sunlight, which can be seen in figure 1. The
beak, which curves downward slightly, is a light yellow-blue colour. Female Satin
Bowerbirds are predominately olive green on the upper side and cream with dark scalloping
patterns on the underside. The wings and tail are both brown, and the beak is either brown or
cream in colour.

Figure 1. Male Satin Bowerbird showing glossy blue-black plumage in sunlight.

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Juvenile birds look almost the same as female birds up until their third year depending on
whether they are male or female. If the bird is a female, the plumage will change slightly,
becoming a darker olive green to match the adult female. If the juvenile is a male, the
plumage will slowly transform over a period of several years through moulting, until it
matches the males blue-black glossy plumage at age seven (Morrison-Scott 1937; Rowland
2008). Adult birds range in size from 24cm to 34cm and weigh between 170g and 290g
(Rowland 2008).
1.1. Reproduction
Satin Bowerbirds are polygynous (Wojcieszek et al. 2007), therefore the care and raising of
the chicks is completed entirely by the female (Loffredo & Borgia 1985). The female builds a
shallow but strong nest deep within the foliage of Acacia or Eucalypt trees, to assist with
camouflage of the nest. This nest will be built from two to 35 meters above the ground and
she will sometimes spend up to two weeks constructing the nest, without the help of the male
bird. The female defends the nest from predator attacks, which is a frequent occurrence,
usually by other Satin Bowerbirds or larger species of birds such as Pied Currawongs. Once
the nest is completed, she will usually lay two eggs, which are cream coloured and have
purple-grey streaks and brown and grey spots. Incubation of the eggs is approximately 21
days and after hatching the young remains in the nest for a further 21 days. By this stage, they
will have developed flight feathers and will begin to take their first attempts at flying from
the nest. The female will continue to care for the young for another 60 days after fledging
(Rowland 2008).
1.2. Diet
The diet of Satin Bowerbirds differs depending on the age of the bird. Immature juveniles
will be fed predominately insects by the female, consisting mainly of beetles, mantids,
grasshoppers and cicadas. The young will also be fed a small amount of fruit, but this
accounts for only around five percent of their diet (Rowland 2008). Adult Satin Bowerbirds
are considered to be omnivores, with fruit, plant matter such as leaves and flowers along with
insects making up a large percentage of their diet (Diamond 1986; Rowland 2008). The
adults will also occasionally eat small reptiles and small birds (Rowland 2008). A study
conducted by Gerald Borgia and Jason Keagy (2006), tested a hypothesis that fruit colour
selection was related to the colour preference shown by Satin Bowerbirds within their
reproductive habits. Typically, male Satin Bowerbirds will collect blue and purple objects in
an attempt to impress a female. It is known through many studies that Satin Bowerbirds
despise red objects anywhere near their bowers (Borgia et al. 1987; Borgia & Keagy 2006;
Keagy et al. 2009), but in the study by Borgia and Keagy, it was found that the Satin
Bowerbird prefers food within the yellow-red colour spectrum. Through further research,
they discovered that the food in the yellow-red spectrum has a higher light reflectance value
when compared to food in the blue-purple colour spectrum. One thought for this preference is
that fruit with a higher reflectance value will be more easily spotted, therefore enabling the
birds to forage more effectively. Another theory is that food within the yellow-red spectrum
contains a higher carotenoid content, suggesting that Satin Bowerbirds prefer a diet rich in
carotenoids, although more research into this theory is needed.

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1.3. Vocalisations
Satin Bowerbirds exhibit a wide range of vocal abilities, which includes mimicry. When a
female comes close to inspect the males bower, he will start by singing her a song consisting
of soft notes. As the ritual continues, his vocalisations will start to become more mechanical
and startling, and often a metallic whirring buzz will be heard. As he dances for her, he will
make a range of noises which include chattering, rattles, creaks, whistles and mimicry
(Loffredo & Borgia 1986; Rowland 2008). Through many studies, a list has been compiled of
the most common species that the Satin Bowerbird mimics. These include Laughing
Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), Lewins Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii), Sulphurcrested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus
funereus) and Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) (Coleman et al. 2007;
Rowland 2008). It is also common to hear mimicry of other animals, including domestic cats
and cicadas, along with noises such as a postmans whistle (Loffredo & Borgia 1986;
Rowland 2008).
1.4. Distribution
Satin Bowerbirds are found along the east coast of Australia, as seen in figure 2, with one
subspecies (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus minor) occurring in the North Queensland tropical
region. Ptilonorhynchus violaceus occurs from South-East Queensland to Victoria, along the
coast and adjacent inland areas. They can be found from sea level up to 1200m and prefer to
reside on the fringes of rainforest. Other habitats in which they can be found include
suburban parks, gardens and sclerophyll forests, where there is a good understorey (Rowland
2008; Larned 2012). Typically, the bowers of the male will be found in forests where sunlight
is able to reach the understorey and if necessary, the male bird will preen leaves off the
vegetation above the bower, to ensure that adequate sunlight is able to reach his bower
(Larned 2012).

Figure 2. Satin Bowerbird range (Rowland 2008).

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2. Bowers and Breeding

The Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) like all gonochoristic reproductive
organisms undergoes a mating of the populace. Certain aspects of the Bowerbirds
physiology, psychology and environment affect this mating.
The different conditions that all combine to affect the mating of the Satin Bowerbird are
balanced out between each other. The physical attributes of a particular Bowerbird may cause
it to be chosen as a mate (Doucet & Montgomerie 2003). The psychology of the Bowerbird is
conveyed through its behaviour and this can show in its ability to choose the correct colours
for the bower, as well as many other factors (Borgia & Collis 1989). The environment and
how the Satin Bowerbird interacts with its surroundings is of importance to successful
mating, this can be seen in the way it chooses a particular location and makes use of the
objects around itself (Borgia 1985). All of these factors intersect with each other to create
successful breeding of the Satin Bowerbird.
2.1. Ultraviolet plumage and parasites
The Satin Bowerbird exhibits many physical characteristics that could be identified as an
important judging component when it comes to mate selection, however, the physical feature
that contributes to this the most is the ultraviolet plumage. The ultraviolet plumage is one of
the most recognised traits of the male Satin Bowerbird. The evolution of this trait has been
suggestive of a few theories, the one found to be most correct for all tests is; that the higher
quality the plumage, the less parasitic infection the Bowerbird has (Borgia & Collis 1989).
Many tests have been conducted on the Male Satin Bowerbird plumage quality hypothesis,
the results often showed a behavioural adaption as a result of the higher quality plumage. The
female Bowerbird chooses a male with a higher level of quality in terms of ultraviolet
plumage, while this may be suggestive of simply differed levels of intense grooming or
perhaps indicative of localised courtship rituals. Testing has been undertaken multiple times
(Borgia & Collis 1989; Doucet & Montgomerie 2003) and has indicated that males with
lower levels of ectoparasitic infection have a higher quality plumage. Many further factors
can be reasoned as to why some males have lower amounts of parasitic comrades; (1)
males that were older tended to have low level of infection while the younger male
Bowerbirds were found to generally have higher amounts, (2) males that were resighted in a
particular location after a certain amount of time were found to have less and (3) level of
infection is highly correlated in years (Borgia & Collis 1989). The research indicated that
males with a more robust plumage are chosen more frequently by female Bowerbirds, this
therefore affects the amount of mating and the specific genes that are passed on to the next
generation of Satin Bowerbirds.
Figure 3 highlights the different aspects of the male bird that the female looks at before
deciding on whether to pursue copulation with a particular bird.

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Figure 3. Associations between five male attributes (signals) potentially used by females
in mate choice and four indicators of male quality (information) in the Satin Bowerbird
(Doucet & Montgomerie 2003).
There are many environmental factors that the Satin Bowerbird accounts for and uses to its
advantage to gain a higher quality bower and therefore have a significantly higher chance of
breeding with a female Bowerbird. The Bowerbird must carefully choose a location to set up
their bower that has an environmental advantage. This can include a strategic location, for
example, figure 4: an area with trees surrounding it closely for protection; an area that allows
the Bowerbird to accentuate the items collected for the Bower or an area with easy access.

Figure 4. Satin Bowerbird bower showing protected location and exposure to sunlight,
to enhance decorations.
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Male Satin Bowerbirds use twigs to create their bowers, in which they court the female
Bowerbird, however there are other additions to this. Most will usually collect yellow leaves,
shown in figure 5, to create a base area on which they place all the blue coloured items they
collect to present to a female (Borgia 1985). It is widely hypothesised that this is what causes
the female Bowerbird to first find interest in the male, other than the aforementioned physical
traits.

Figure 5. Satin Bowerbird bower showing use of yellow leaves as a base layer in an
attempt to accentuate the blue decorations.
Similarly to the plumage of the male Satin Bowerbird, the bower itself can contain
ectoparasites, correspondingly it has been recorded that a higher percentage of females will
choose a males bower that contains less parasites (Borgia & Collis 1989). Information
collected from a research article suggests that the Marker hypothesis is not rejected, this
hypothesis suggests that males construct the most decorated bower they possibly can to
woo the female and this essentially marks their territory. The male Satin Bowerbird
carefully chooses the area for his bower to be built in order to attract females in which to
mate with.
2.2. Behavioural adaptions
The behavioural adaptions that the male and female Bowerbird utilise are shown through
their use of behavioural traits to distinguish which mate they choose to breed with. The
behavioural patterns that both male and female Bowerbirds exhibit show that they have
advanced knowledge with problem solving skills that they keenly apply to mating. The male
Bowerbirds display that they are able to perform mimicry of other bird calls; this was
analysed spectrographically to show that the females are more inclined to mate with a male if
his mimicry is more accurate (Coleman et al. 2007). There are multiple hypotheses as to why
the males and females act this way behaviourally; (1) The female is more likely to mate with
a male more adept at mimicry as it can act as a defence mechanism and can therefore protect
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the female and fledglings; or (2) is simply a courtship display meant to impress the female
Bowerbird. While both of these hypotheses could be disputed, the undeniable fact is the
accuracy of mimetic cries of the males that is driven by the female (Coleman et al. 2007).
The aforementioned ectoparasitised males can also provide insight into behavioural adaptions
of the females. While it may seem common that the female would choose the healthier male
to mate with, the psychological evaluation that females show is highly advanced; they
visually seek out males that have more robust and healthier plumage as well as a cleaner and
more organised bower. To do this requires problem solving skills applied to mating rituals
(Borgia & Collis 1989). As mentioned previously, the females choose males with a more
organised and visually pleasing bower and this results in interesting behaviour displayed by
the male Bowerbirds. It causes them to not only set up their bower in an area that allows
more light to shine on it whilst still being protected but also chooses an area that has greater
access to blue items. Accompanying this it also places yellow leaves on the ground as a base
colour to make the blue stand out (Larned 2012). The male and female Satin Bowerbirds
exhibit and utilise adapted behaviours in order to acquire a successful and healthy mate.
The Satin Bowerbird makes use of the different factors that influence its existence in order to
be more successful in breeding. These factors are found within the physical, environmental
and behavioural changes and adaptions that the Bowerbird regularly makes. The mating
rituals and social interactions that the Bowerbird makes are all in preparation for its ultimate
goal, which is to pass on its genetic information and find a mate.
2.3. Courtship and copulation
The courtship of the Satin Bowerbird can be described as aggressive, startling and intricate.
Each male has a specific routine that he performs for visiting females, in the hope that she
will choose him to mate with. Courtship takes place from August to January at the bower
(Rowland 2008), and consists of many different vocalisations, including mimicry, along with
a series of dance moves (Loffredo & Borgia 1985) while he shows the female his ultraviolet
plumage and most prized trinket. During the courtship, the female will sit on a branch next to
the bower and watch the male start his routine. If she is impressed, she will enter into his
bower avenue, and watch his display more closely (Loffredo & Borgia 1985). On average, a
female will watch six courtship displays over a period of 15 days, before she narrows down
her selection by revisiting select males. After this round of visits, she will then choose the
male that she will copulate with (Uy et al. 2001; Patricelli 2002; Patricelli et al. 2003).
Many studies have been conducted regarding the startling nature of the male dance, and it has
been found that the male watches the female closely to detect any evidence of fear that she
may show. The male dance can come across as threatening, therefore it is imperative that the
male can read her reactions, and either tone down his performance, or build it up more,
depending on her emotion (Patricelli et al. 2003; Patricelli et al. 2006; Savard 2011). It has
also been noted that females are less likely to become startled if they are courting a familiar
male, perhaps one that they have copulated with in the past (Patricelli et al. 2003). Once the
female has decided on the male that she wishes to copulate with, she will lower herself within
the bower into a crouching position and begin to shake her wings. This is an invitation for
the male to cease his performance, and begin copulation. Mating usually occurs within the
avenue of the bower, but occasionally it will take place directly in front. After successful
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mating, the female will shake out her feathers, before the male aggressively chases her away
(Rowland 2008).
3. Sexual Competition and decoration collection
Sexual competition among male Satin Bowerbirds is one habit that has a major impact on
breeding success. Although the physical impressiveness of the male bird is judged by
females, the male birds appear to believe that the particular objects that he possesses in his
bower is also taken into account, as well as the amount of trinkets he can present (Borgia &
Gore 1986; Wojcieszek et al. 2007). Almost all decorations that the male will collect will be
inedible, thus suggesting that the sole purpose of decorating the bowers is to impress females
and increase breeding success (Borgia & Gore 1986; Borgia et al. 1987). Thieving and
destruction of rival males bowers are traits that the Satin Bowerbird is well known for
(Borgia & Gore 1986; Wojcieszek et al. 2007; Reynolds et al. 2008).
3.1. Bower destruction
In a study completed by Reynolds et al. (2008), blood samples were obtained from Satin
Bowerbirds at Tooloom National Park, New South Wales, to determine the level of
relatedness amongst male birds that constructed their bowers within close proximity to each
other. The hypothesis being tested was that birds that are highly related to each other build
bowers close to their kin, and do not deliberately destroy these bowers made by their
relatives. At the end of the study, it was revealed that the hypothesis was correct, and that
Satin Bowerbirds show some form of lekking behaviour (males aggregating to increase
sexual success). The theories behind the lekking behaviour of Satin Bowerbirds, is that (1)
the birds are able to maintain more impressive bower displays without the threat of neighbour
destruction, (2) by destroying a non-related neighbours bower, it would not only decrease
the victims chances of mating, it would help ensure the success of the attackers bloodlines,
either through his own breeding success, or that of his kin and (3) if a bower was destroyed,
the victims kin would have an increased chance of breeding success. It was previously
known that destruction of the bowers usually occurs by the males two closest neighbours,
therefore by adopting lekking behaviour, the Satin Bowerbird is able to increase its breeding
success.
3.2. Decoration collection
Satin Bowerbirds have complicated preferences when it comes to certain items to add to their
bowers, these can be dictated from issues such as its weight or the way it shines in the light,
however first and foremost it must be blue. Satin bowerbirds prefer to use blue objects,
however in some cases if blue items are scarce they will also use yellow or even brown
objects such as snail shells. (Morrison-Scott 1937). Bowerbirds that do not have access to
manmade objects will collect a variety of items such as blue flowers, snail shells, snakeskins,
and blue feathers from other birds, berries and gumnuts. Satin Bowerbirds located close to
human civilisations are notorious for collecting a variety of manmade blue objects, as seen in
figure 6, such as marbles, blue rags, clothes pegs, bottle caps, plastic bags and straws
(Marshall 1934; Diamond 1988).

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Figure 6. Objects found at two different bowers located within Lamington National
Park, Queensland. Note the use of Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum) flowers in
both bowers.
Many studies have been completed to determine the most common objects found within the
Satin Bowerbirds bower. In modern times, most objects are sourced from humans, due to
expansion of human establishments. But it appears that regardless of how many blue objects
that a male can retrieve, the most valuable is the blue feathers of other birds. These feathers
usually belong to either the Crimson Rosella (Platyeereus elegans) or the Eastern Rosella
(Platyeereus eximis) and are considered a rare and prized addition to a bower. In locations
where the decorations are of mostly natural origin, feathers are one of the most commonly
thieved objects, with brown snail shells being the second most common. It has been shown
that mating success is directly correlated to the amount of feathers and shells a Satin
Bowerbird male has (Larned 2012). This indicates that the more feathers a male can obtain,
the more impressive he will be to females. This results in male birds consistently stealing
feathers from neighbouring bowers (Borgia & Gore 1986). In a study by Borgia and Gore
(1986), feathers found in bowers were numbered and tracked throughout the forest over two
successive mating seasons. They found that males who had large numbers of objects at their
bowers stole the most feathers. The theory behind this is that they were able to limit their
neighbours success at the same time as increasing theirs.
Another factor, which has a positive correlation with the success of mating in Satin
Bowerbirds, is the amount of flowers that a male can collect (Borgia et al. 1987). A study
was conducted at Wallaby Creek, New South Wales, to determine if males prefer certain
types of flowers and if they are readily available in the vicinity of the bower, or if not, how
far a male will travel to collect a particular flower species. It was found that males preferred
inflorescences of seven flower species with flowers from two species; Wild Tobacco
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(Solanum mauritianum) and Black Anther flax-lily (Dianella revolute) being the most
common to be found on the bowers. It was also noted that the flowers of Solanum
mauritianum appeared to come from a plant that was approximately 0.5km from the study
site. Wild Tobacco is classified as purple-yellow in colour and Black Anther flax-lily as dark
blue. A total of 29 different flower species were used in bowers throughout the site, but
purple-yellow coloured flowers made up 31% of the total colour preference, with dark blue
accounting for 16% and light blue only 1%. It was determined that the males choose flowers
based on colour preference as well as the ability of the flower to resist desiccation and lose
colour after being picked, increasing the length of time before needing to collect new flowers
(Borgia et al. 1987).
4. Impacts, threats and conservation
Humans have directly affected Satin bowerbirds for years, so much so that their entire
ecology now revolves around impacts from humans. Bowerbirds are known for their desire of
soft cultivated fruits and have been recorded consuming nearly every type of cultivated fruit
found near their habitats (Marshall 1932). It is noted that orchardists only witness green
females or juvenile males raiding orchards (Cole 1909). The reason for this is unknown,
however it may be hypothesised that this is due to the fact that mature males with blue
plumage do not travel large distances from their bowers. Bower birds that are found near
human settlement are known for raiding gardens and stealing cultivated flowers for their
bowers, mimicking some man made noises and even feeding from lodges or cabins in the
area (Marshall 1934).
Bowerbirds are also regarded as pests and are largely responsible for spreading weeds into
their habitats. The Satin Bowerbird consumes a number of introduced plants such as the
African Olive (Olea europaea), Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) and Lantana (Lantana camara).
These are all highly invasive weeds, which are detrimental to ecosystems. When seeds are
expelled from the birds they can germinate and spread into the Bowerbirds habitat, which
will then slowly degrade as the weed takes control (Marshall 1934).
Satin Bowerbirds face threats from land clearing for human expansion as well as other
impacts including hunting and shooting from orchardists and damage from man-made items,
such as strangulation from blue rings on milk bottle caps. This has prompted some companies
to change the colour of the rings to black, in the hope that the male birds will disregard them
(Rowland 2008). In addition to this, introduced, domesticated or feral animals such as cats,
dogs and foxes are known to prey on and kill Bowerbirds while they tend to their bowers
(Rowland 2008). Because of this, Bowerbirds have been placed under conservation and given
a conservation status of LC (least concern) and Common (White et al. 2014). They are also
protected by several Acts and legislations such as the NPW Act. With these Acts in place, the
Satin Bowerbird is protected from many threats that it faces. However, in order to ensure its
continued survival and protection, the habitats of the Satin Bowerbird should be left
untouched, as humans have such a large effect on the ecology of the Bowerbird and its
environment.

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5. Conclusion
This report has covered in detail the important aspects of the Satin Bowerbird through
thorough and in depth research. It has been established that Satin Bowerbirds prefer the
colour blue and is used in attracting female Satin Bowerbirds to the bowers. The Satin
Bowerbird exhibits unique characteristics such as its ultraviolet plumage and its mating and
reproduction techniques that are used to attract female Bowerbirds. This stems from its ability
to build impressive organised bowers that are carefully constructed in direct sunlight and
encompassed with blue objects collected from human habitation.
It was concluded that vast amounts of organised blue coloured objects, more specifically the
quantity of valuable blue feathers, flowers and snail shells thieved from rival bowers are a
prominent factor in whether or not a male Bowerbird will prove to be a successful mate. The
female attraction stemmed from these organised bowers initiates behavioural displays such as
the males imposing vocal abilities that include forms of mimicry and a series of dance moves.
These characteristics are combined as a form of successful courtship.
The Satin Bowerbirds diet, depending on the species maturity, consists of fruit, plant and
insects, however it was attained that Satin Bowerbirds prefer a yellow-red colour variety of
food as it displays a higher light reflectance value when compared to the blue-purple colour
range.
The Satin Bowerbird is concerned by the vast growth of human development and harm
associated by man-made objects. In view of this, Bowerbirds have been placed under
preservation, however it is crucial that these preventative steps are balanced in the way of the
limiting change to the natural surroundings of the Satin Bowerbird, as the relationship with
human habitation has such an extensive impact on the Bowerbird's biology and its
surroundings.

6. References
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bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus): an experimental analysis. Animal Behaviour 33,
266-271.
Borgia, G. and Collis, K. (1989) Female choice for parasite-free male satin bowerbirds and
the evolution of bright male plumage. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 25, 445-453.
Borgia, G., & Gore, M. (1986) Feather stealing in the satin bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus
violaceus): male competition and the quality of display. Animal Behaviour, 34, 727-738.
Borgia, G., & Keagy, J. (2006) An inverse relationship between decoration and food colour
preferences in satin bowerbirds does not support the sensory drive hypothesis. Animal
Behaviour 72, 1125-1133.
Borgia, G., Kaatz, I., & Condit, R. (1987) Flower choice and bower decoration in the satin
bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus: a test of hypotheses for the evolution of male display.
Animal Behaviour 35, 1129-1139.

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Cole, C.F. (1909) Notes on the Satin Bower-Bird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus). Emu 9, 236
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Coleman, S., Patricelli, G., Coyle, B., Siani, J., & Borgia, G. (2007) Female preferences drive
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Note: Any figures without standard referencing were taken by the authors of this report.

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