Regent Bowerbird

The Regent Bowerbird is a spectacular songbird in which the adult male combines glossy jet-black plumage with brilliant patches of golden-yellow on the crown, nape, and wings, set off by a pale yellow eye, creating one of the most striking color combinations of any Australian bird. Females and immature males are far more subdued, mottled olive-brown above with pale, dark-scalloped underparts, providing effective camouflage in the forest canopy.

Like other bowerbirds, the male builds a small avenue-shaped bower of sticks as a stage for courtship display, though it tends to be more modest than the elaborate structures built by some relatives, and the bird itself is often shy and can be surprisingly hard to observe despite its bright coloring.

Key field marks

• Adult male: glossy black body with bold golden-yellow patches on the crown, nape, and wing
• Pale yellow eye
• Female/immature male: mottled olive-brown above, pale underparts with dark scalloping
• Medium-sized, fairly slender bowerbird build

Similar species

• Satin Bowerbird male is glossy blue-black rather than black-and-yellow.
• Female Regent Bowerbirds resemble female Satin Bowerbirds but are generally warmer brown and best separated by range and subtle plumage tone.

Habitat

Inhabits rainforest and subtropical forest, particularly favoring the canopy and upper forest levels.

Range

Found in a relatively restricted range along the eastern Australian coast, from southeastern Queensland to around the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

Migration

Mostly sedentary, with limited local movement.

Behavior

Often shy and inconspicuous despite bright male plumage, generally remaining high in the forest canopy; males build and display at a modest stick avenue bower to attract females.

Voice

A harsh, wheezy, chattering call and various softer notes, along with some mimicry.

Feeding

Feeds on fruit, insects, and leaves, foraging mainly in the canopy of rainforest trees.

Nesting

The female builds a shallow cup nest of twigs high in a tree, separate from the male's display bower; lays 1-2 cream to pale brown eggs with darker markings.