23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Golden bowerbird the master builder

Golden bowerbirds occupy a narrow niche in tropical rainforests in Northern Queensland in Australia. The males, about the size of a sparrow, build massive tower bowers. These structures consist of forest twigs glued together by oral secretions and may reach 10 foot in height. The male will decorate the bower with lichens and forest flowers in order to attract a female.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: not near a city, Australia
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Copyright: © Graeme Guy