A male bowerbird dresses up his nest.


Bird Builders A male bowerbird also shows off. He builds a fancy nest. First, he finds an open spot on the


forest floor. Ten he picks up sticks and twigs. He leans each twig against a tree trunk. Next, the bird is ready to dress up


his nest. He looks for objects like nuts, seeds, leaves, grass, and bright berries. Sometimes he will even use dead bugs. Te bird piles up the objects in


front of the twigs. Ten he arranges each one just so. It is a big job. It may take many months. Finally, the bowerbird likes the way


his nest looks. He dances in front of his fancy home. He calls out. His calls copy other sounds. Tey can sound like dripping water or flapping wings. Female birds come to see the nest.


Family Feathers Birds of paradise are important to the Huli people. They wear the birds’ bright feathers at special times. These girls wear colorful feathers on their heads. Some Huli put long, white feathers through their noses. Many Huli people no longer hunt


the birds for their feathers. They reuse the ones they already have. The feathers and traditions are passed down through families.


JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2013 7


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