Satin Bowerbird

The Satin Bowerbird, Ptilonorhynchus violaceus, is a species of bowerbird endemic to eastern Australia. Mature males are a sight to behold with their uniformly black plumage that, upon closer inspection, reveals a deep shiny blue appearance due to the light diffraction by the surface texture of their feathers. Their violet-blue eyes are quite striking. Immature males and females share a similar appearance, often leading to confusion between the two. Females and young males have a green/brown or entirely brown upper body, a lighter underbody with a reticulated or scalloped pattern, and notably striking blue eyes.

Identification Tips

To identify the Satin Bowerbird, look for the mature male's glossy blue-black plumage and violet-blue eyes. Females and immature males can be identified by their distinctive green/brown upper body, lighter underbody with a pattern, and blue eyes.

Habitat

This species is commonly found in the rainforest and tall moist sclerophyll forest, thriving in the lush eastern Australian landscapes from southern Queensland to Victoria.

Distribution

The Satin Bowerbird is well distributed across eastern Australia and can also be found in an isolated population in the Wet Tropics of north Queensland.

Behaviour

Satin Bowerbirds exhibit aggressive foraging behaviour, often displacing other birds in fruit trees. They are known for their unique courtship behaviour, where males build and decorate bowers with an array of blue, yellow, and shiny objects to attract mates. These bowers are not nests but rather elaborate structures used to display and dance for potential partners. Males are also known for their destructive tendencies, often vandalizing or stealing from the bowers of rivals.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from October to February. The female alone constructs the nest and incubates the eggs, which are cream with brown streaks and unusually large for the bird's size. Typically, two eggs are laid, but sometimes one or three. The eggs hatch after 21 days, and the young fledge three weeks later but remain dependent on the female for an additional two months.

Similar Species

The female Satin Bowerbird may be mistaken for the green catbird or spotted catbird due to the coloration of the upper body. However, the blue eyes of the Satin Bowerbird are a key differentiator.

Diet and Feeding

Adult Satin Bowerbirds are predominantly frugivorous, consuming a variety of fruits, leaves, and a small amount of seeds and insects. They are also known to feed on introduced plant species and can be a nuisance to horticulturalists due to their habit of raiding fruit and vegetable crops. As nestlings, their diet consists largely of beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas.

Conservation status

The Satin Bowerbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival.