Satin Bowerbirds by Ken _Gilliland
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
In reworking my "songbird ReMix Australia v2" for its update, I re-familiarized myself with one of the coolest birds, the Satin Bowerbird.
It is endemic to eastern Australia from southern Queensland to Victoria and found in rainforests, with a strong preference for its edges. It can also be seen in woodlands and adjacent tall sclerophyll woodlands with sapling under-story.
It eats mostly fruit with an occasional insect. Sexes are dimorphic. The male is entirely glossy indigo-blue while the female is an ashy gray-green upper body contrasted by cinnamon-brown wings and upper tail.
What makes this bird "cool" is the male activities during breeding season. Male satin bowerbirds are artists. They first build an art gallery; two stout columns of grass, creating an entry way through the middle. They then start collecting things they find appealing and arrange them in their gallery. These items can include berries, flowers, leaves, feathers, and even ballpoint pens, drinking straws and other discarded plastic items. Satin bowerbirds have a preference for blue items. Once their art collages are done and placed, it's time for opening night. The male stands at the gallery opening and calls for the ladies. They come and browse his gallery. As part of the opening, the male performs a dance for the female crowd. If a female likes the show, she'll mate with the artist/gallery owner for the season. Researchers have determined that younger female bowerbirds are drawn to the best art in making their decision while old females almost always choose the best dancer.
The Australia v2 update and re-release should be ready in May

Comments (7)
Goodness! Such a lot going on! This really pops! Gorgeous work!
What a charming and very successful creation !!
love it!
VERY, VERY INTERESTING! I shall go to bed less ignorant this evening!
Great scene and cool birds!!!
They are amazingly artistic birds!
Two cuties, perfectly crafted birds with superb details and colours. Fabulous awesome artwork, very realistic birds, like all your wonderful birds. A most impressive, magnificent Masterpiece of Finest Arts. I love it!