The streaked bowerbird is a species of bowerbird, native to the Bird's Tail Peninsula. They are approximately 22 cm long and have an olive-brown colouring. The male has a short orange crest which is not visible unless displayed.
Region
Southeast New Guinea
Typical Environment
Inhabits lower to mid-montane rainforests and mossy cloud forests on the Papuan Peninsula. Prefers dense, humid forest with a well-developed understory, often near ridgelines and sheltered slopes. It also uses secondary growth and forest edges when fruiting trees are abundant. Males typically place bowers on shaded forest floors where leaf litter and moss are plentiful.
Altitude Range
800–2100 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A male streaked bowerbird builds a distinctive maypole-style bower around a central sapling, carefully decorating it with fresh greenery and colorful fruits to attract females. The male’s short orange crest is usually concealed and is erected during courtship displays. This species is confined to the Bird’s Tail (Papuan) Peninsula of southeastern New Guinea and is shy, keeping to dense mid-montane forest.
Temperament
secretive and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Polygynous: males build and maintain decorated maypole bowers used solely for courtship, not for nesting. Females visit bowers to assess mates, then nest alone in concealed sites within the forest. Outside the breeding season, birds are typically solitary or in loose associations around fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male’s display includes a varied series of whistles, buzzes, and mechanical-sounding notes, often delivered near the bower. It may incorporate mimicry of other forest sounds and calls, repeated in short sequences.
