Flying Casanovas

Student Handout

Bowerbird Basics

Bowerbirds are the only species of bird that build structures, called bowers, to attract their mates. In this activity, you will explore some of the bowers that bowerbirds build.

Procedure

1. You will be assigned one of the following record-keeping roles:

   Notetaker: In the space below, write a description of your assigned bowerbird's bower, as well as any other information about the bird's characteristics or behaviors.

   Sketch Artist: In the space below, sketch your assigned bowerbird's bower, including as many materials as you can.

2. When your bowerbird is featured in the program, take notes or make sketches for your assigned role on all bower materials your species uses.

3. When the program is finished, compare visual and written records of your assigned bower and reconcile any differences.

4. Combine with two other teams to compare and contrast other bowers featured in the program.

Notes or Sketches

Questions for Combined Teams
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What did each species include in its bower?

2. What are the similarities among bowers? What are the differences?

3. Why might account for the items that were chosen?