Page:Bird-lore Vol 01.djvu/367

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The Bower-birds of Australia
139

After much difficulty a photograph was taken of the interesting structure (see illustration).

The last discovered species and one of the most beautiful of Bower-birds, is the Golden Bower-bird (Prionodura newtoniana), which vies in its golden splendor with the Regent-bird. Its home is the rich palm scrubs of Northern Queensland. The rare and handsome bird was discovered by the collector, Mr. K. Broadbent, and was described and dedicated by Mr. DeVis (Queensland Museum) to the venerable ornithological savant. Prof. Alfred Newton.

An image should appear at this position in the text.
BOWER OF THE REGENT-BIRD
Photographed from nature by A.J. Campbell

An authenticated nest and eggs of the Golden Bower-birds has not yet been discovered. But regarding its wonderful bowers—probably the most astonishing instances of bird-architecture known — Mr. DeVis writes: "From their [collector's] notes and sketches it would appear that the bower is usually built on the ground between two trees or between a tree and a bush. It is constructed of small sticks and twigs. These are piled up almost horizontally around one tree in the form of a pyramid, which rises to a height varying from 4 to 6 feet. A similar pile of inferior height—about 18 inches—is then built around the foot of the other tree. The intervening space is arched over with stems of climbing plants, the piles are decorated