SPOTTED BOWER BIRD . — Chlamydera metadata . 
We now come to the Starlings, headed by the curious Bower Birds, so 
called from the bowers, or playing-places, which they build. 
These birds are natives of Australia, and are in the habit of building these 
bowers on the ground, mostly sheltered by some large tree. They are made of 
twigs, very cleverly arranged, and the birds amuse themselves by running 
through them, like children at play. At the entrance the bird collects all the 
light objects it can find, such as bones, shells, and parrots’ feathers. 
So persevering are these birds in carrying off anything that may strike their 
fancy, that they have been known to steal a stone tomahawk, some blue cotton 
rags, and an old tobacco-pipe. Two of these bowers are now in the nest-room 
of the British Museum, and at the Zoological Gardens the Bower Bird may 
be seen hard at work at its surface, fastening the twigs or adorning the 
entrances, and ever and anon running through the edifice with a curious loud full 
cry, that always attracts the attention of a passer-by. 
137 
