The Flamed Bowerbird, Sericulus aureus

Abstract

The taxonomy of the Flamed Bowerbird is outlined, its distribution discussed, and its bower described. The evidence is that it is closely related to the Regent Bowerbird S. chrysocephalus. The apparent rarity of bowers built by species of the genus is discussed, and reasons are given for supposing that the bowers are built regularly as in other avenue-building genera (Chlamydera, Ptilonorhynchus). Available data on the Madang Bowerbird S. bakeri are also given.