Townsville, Australia – Male bowerbirds in urban areas are using discarded human objects to enhance their mating displays, according to research comparing city and rural populations in Queensland.

Scientists examined bowerbirds in Townsville City and nearby rural regions, focusing on how males construct and decorate special display structures called bowers to attract females.

These bowers are made from twigs and serve as presentation sites rather than nests. Males collect and arrange objects around them as part of courtship behaviour.

Researchers found that urban birds gathered significantly more decorative items than rural birds, averaging about 90 objects per bower compared with around 20 in rural environments. One city-based male collected more than 300 items.

In urban areas, the decorations were largely human-made, including glass, plastic, wire, banknotes, and other discarded objects. Some unusual items recorded included handcuffs, medicine containers from areas near hospitals, and brightly coloured sports mouth guards.

Rural birds mainly used natural materials such as leaves, seeds, fruit, and sticks, although some human-made objects were also present.

The study also found differences in colour patterns, with urban bowers showing stronger red tones and less vivid green elements compared with rural ones.

During courtship, males repeatedly present objects to visiting females inside the bower while performing visual displays of feathers on the back of their heads.

When tested, both urban and rural males showed strong preference for human-made objects over natural materials.

Researchers say this suggests that the availability of discarded human items is influencing bird behaviour, though the long-term effects are still unknown.

They also noted that rural birds may obtain human objects through scavenging or by taking items from other males’ bowers.

The findings highlight how human activity is reshaping animal behaviour through changes in the environment.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download