The yellow-breasted bowerbird also known as Lauterbach's bowerbird, is a medium-sized, approximately 27 cm long, bowerbird with a brownish-olive upperparts plumage, grayish-yellow upper breast, coppery crown, dark brown iris, yellow underparts, a black bill and pinkish-orange mouth. Both sexes are similar. The female exhibits less vibrant coloration than the male.
Region
Northern New Guinea
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and foothill zones of northern New Guinea, especially in forest edges, secondary woodland, riverine thickets, and savanna with scattered trees. It readily uses human-modified habitats such as gardens and plantations where fruiting trees are available. The species is generally localized but can be fairly common where habitat structure and food are suitable. Males place bowers on shaded ground beneath shrubs or thickets within these mosaics.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males build an avenue-style bower on the ground and decorate it with fruits, flowers, shells, and human-made objects to attract females. The bower is a courtship stage, not a nest; females construct the actual nest and rear the young alone. This species can incorporate mimicry into its displays, mixing borrowed sounds with its own calls.
Temperament
shy and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Largely solitary outside of breeding, with males occupying display sites where they build and maintain avenue bowers. Courtship is polygynous; males perform visual and vocal displays at the bower. Females select mates, then nest and care for the young independently.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of harsh buzzes, grating notes, and clear whistles, often interspersed with mimicry of other birds and environmental sounds. Males vocalize most intensely around the bower during displays.
