The fawn-breasted bowerbird (Chlamydera cerviniventris) is a medium-sized, up to 32 cm (13 in) long, bowerbird with a greyish brown spotted white plumage, a black bill, dark brown iris, yellow mouth and an orange buff below. Both sexes are similar. The female is slightly smaller than the male.
The fawn-breasted bowerbird is distributed throughout New Guinea and northern Cape York Peninsula, where it inhabits the tropical forests, mangroves, savanna woodlands and forest edges. Its diet consists mainly of figs, fruits and insects. The nest is a loose cup made of small sticks up in a tree. The bower itself is that of "avenue-type" with two side-walls of sticks and usually decorated with green-colored berries.
A common species in its habitat range, the fawn-breasted bowerbird is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Medium-sized bowerbird found in a diverse range of habitats across northern Cape York and New Guinea, usually in tropical moist forest but also in shrubland, parks, and gardens. Primarily grayish brown with subtle orange wash in belly, diffuse streaking in throat and breast. Unlike in other similar bowerbirds, sexes alike. Compare larger Great Bowerbird, which has pink crest in male and lacks orange-toned underparts. Males build an impressive "U" shaped bower of sticks that they decorate with green fruit and leaves. Male song includes great variety of harsh notes and imitations of other birds.
The Fawn-breasted Bowerbird is a small to medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 25 to 30 centimeters in length. It has a slender and compact build, with a rounded head and a short, straight bill. The bird’s body is covered in soft feathers, which are predominantly olive-green in color.
One of the most distinctive features of the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird is its fawn-colored breast, which gives the species its name. This area is adorned with intricate patterns and markings, varying from individual to individual. The upperparts of the bird are mostly olive-brown, while the underparts are a paler shade of greenish-yellow.
Living habits of the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird revolve around its bower. Males spend a significant amount of time maintaining and decorating their bowers to make them more attractive to potential mates. They collect colorful objects such as flowers, fruits, feathers, and even man-made items like bottle caps or shiny objects, which they carefully arrange around the bower. These decorations, combined with the male’s elaborate courtship dance and vocalizations, create a captivating display for the female.
The Fawn-breasted Bowerbird is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. It spends its time foraging for food, engaging in courtship displays, and maintaining its bower. This bird is highly territorial, defending its bower and the surrounding area from other males. It uses vocalizations, aggressive postures, and sometimes physical combat to protect its territory and potential mates.
When it comes to sleep patterns, the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird roosts in trees or dense foliage at night, seeking protection from predators. During this time, it remains relatively inactive, conserving energy for the following day’s activities. Rest is essential for the bird’s overall well-being and helps maintain its physical and mental health.
