Abstract
THERE exist two widely divergent and irreconcilable theories concerning the nature and function of bower-building in bower-birds (Ptilonorhynchidae). The first, which may be called the traditional view, finds its expression in numerous writings (references in Marshall1,2) which describe bower-birds as intelligent and consciously æsthetic (in the human sense of the expressions) in their collection of colourful display-things and in bower-building. This view involves also the stated belief that bowers are built for recreational purposes and are little concerned with reproductive processes, even though the latter may have accounted for the origin of display in the early history of the species.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Marshall, A. J., Biol. Rev., 29, 1 (1954).
Marshall, A. J., “Bower-birds: their Displays and Breeding Cycles” (Oxford, 1954).
Chaffer, N., Emu, 44, 161 (1940).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McNAMARA, E. Function of the Bower of Bower-birds. Nature 176, 207 (1955). https://doi.org/10.1038/176207a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/176207a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.