Satin bowerbird

A male satin bowerbird.

Scientific name: Ptilonorhynchus violaceus

Feathers, flowers, shells – even buttons and bottle tops – feature in this bird’s treasure trove. To attract a mate, males gather colourful objects to decorate their bower, a tunnel-like structure made from sticks. When a female appears, he performs a dance while holding a favourite object in his beak.

Amazing ability: Decorating and appreciating all things colourful

Where to find them: The forests of eastern Australia