The Archbold’s Bowerbird (Archboldia papuensis) was discovered by Austin Loomer Rand in 1939. Its name commemorates the New Guinea explorer and ornithologist Richard Archbold.
This song bird is notable for going to great lengths in acquiring shed ornamental plumes of the King of Saxony Bird of Paradise for decorating its courtship bower.
Description
The Archbold’s Bowerbird averages 37cm in length.
The plumage is dark grey. They have brown eyes, grey feet and a black bill.
The male has narrow black scalloping with some trace of golden yellow crown feathers and dark grey forked tail, that shorter than the wing.
Males and females look similar; except the female is a little smaller than male, has a yellow patch on the wings, and lacks the male’s crown feathering.
The male is polygamous (mates with several females).
Range / Distribution
The Archbold’s Bowerbird occurs naturally in the highland forests of Western New Guinea.
Diet / Feeding
Its main diet consists of fruits.
