Archbold's bowerbird is a passerine bird in the bowerbird family Ptilonorhynchidae that is endemic to highland forests of New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Found in montane and cloud forests, favoring mossy, epiphyte-rich habitats and forest edges. It frequents fruiting trees in the mid to upper canopy but may descend to clearings and ridgelines to forage. The species prefers intact forest but can occur in lightly disturbed secondary growth with sufficient fruit resources. It is generally local and patchy, tracking seasonal fruit availability.
Altitude Range
1600–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after explorer Richard Archbold, Archbold's bowerbird is a secretive highland species of New Guinea. Like other bowerbirds, males create an elaborately arranged display area or bower to court females, decorating it with leaves, fruits, and other objects. It inhabits cool, mossy montane forests and is seldom seen away from dense cover.
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Solitary or in loose proximity when feeding, with males establishing display sites during the breeding season. Males construct and maintain a decorated bower or court, arranging leaves and fruits to attract females. Females handle nest building and chick rearing alone, placing a cup nest in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The vocalizations are varied whistles and harsh notes interspersed with mimicry of other forest birds. Males call persistently near their display sites, with phrases that carry through the montane forest.
Plumage
Medium-sized bowerbird with mostly plain, dark olive-brown to brown plumage and slightly paler underparts; feathers can show subtle scalloping in good light.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking a wide variety of forest fruits and berries. Supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, especially when feeding young. Occasionally consumes seeds or flower parts when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy, often at fruiting trees along ridges and gaps. Also forages at forest edges and in tall secondary growth with mature fruiting shrubs.
