bowerbird

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noun bow·er·bird \ ˈbau̇(-ə)r-ˌbərd \

Definition of bowerbird

:any of a family (Ptilonorhynchidae) of passerine birds of Australia and New Guinea in which the male builds a chamber or passage arched over with twigs and grasses, often adorned with bright-colored objects, and used especially to attract the female

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This is shown in bowerbirds: Females receive dramatic and even violent displays because those displays are stimulating and because the females can keep their autonomy intact.

— michael forsberg, National Geographic, "Why It Matters Who Females Choose to Have Sex With," 18 June 2017
In bowerbirds, for example, females have used choice preferences to make males less aggressive and more amenable.

— michael forsberg, National Geographic, "Why It Matters Who Females Choose to Have Sex With," 18 June 2017
If ducks reflect our cultural present, bowerbirds may illuminate both our evolutionary origins and our social future.

— richard o. prum, The New Yorker, "Duck Sex and the Patriarchy," 17 May 2017
A few species, such black wheateaters and bowerbirds, are already known to use nest design in courtship displays.

— brandon keim, WIRED, "Hidden Messages Found in Bird Nest Decorations," 20 Jan. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bowerbird.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of bowerbird

1841

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bowerbird

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bowerbird

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