The Vogelkop bowerbird, also known as the Vogelkop gardener bowerbird, is a medium-sized bowerbird of the mountains of West Papua.
Region
Bird's Head (Vogelkop) Peninsula, New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and upper montane rainforest, including mossy cloud forests and forest edges. It favors dense understory and mid-story strata where fruiting trees and shrubs are common. Bowery sites are typically placed on the forest floor in sheltered, shaded spots. It can be found near natural clearings and along ridgelines where display sites are easier to maintain.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Vogelkop bowerbird is famed for building elaborate hut-like bowers that males decorate with carefully arranged collections of colorful items such as fruits, flowers, beetle shells, and berries. Rather than relying on bright plumage, males attract females through their architectural skill and aesthetic sense. It is confined to the mountains of the Bird’s Head (Vogelkop) Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia. Females alone build the nest and rear the young.
Vogelkop bowerbird bower
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense forest; agile flier
Social Behavior
Males are highly territorial around their bowers, investing substantial time in construction, decoration, and maintenance. Courtship occurs at the bower, where males display and rearrange objects to entice visiting females. The species is polygynous; females select mates based on display and then nest independently, providing all parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied repertoire of whistles, chatters, and harsh notes, often delivered from near the bower. Capable of mimicry, incorporating calls of other forest birds and environmental sounds into its display vocalizations.
Plumage
Plain, soft brown to olive-brown plumage with lighter, slightly mottled underparts; minimal sexual dimorphism.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking a wide variety of forest fruits and berries. Supplements diet with insects and other small invertebrates, especially during breeding or when fruit is scarce. Occasionally consumes seeds and small amounts of plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory to mid-canopy, moving between fruiting trees and shrubs. Also forages on or near the ground around bowers and along forest edges and trails.
