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28 October 2026

In the forests of Australia and New Guinea, some male bowerbirds do something that sounds almost unbelievable: they build elaborate structures and decorate them to attract a mate.

These constructions, called bowers, are not nests. They are display spaces, carefully arranged with twigs and decorated with objects the birds collect from their surroundings. Depending on the species, the collection may include berries, shells, flowers and even pieces of discarded human-made material.

The male does not simply gather whatever catches his eye. He may arrange objects by colour and repeatedly adjust their position. Some species favour particular shades, creating displays that resemble tiny outdoor galleries.

The female visits and assesses the display, as well as the male’s behaviour. His construction is part of a courtship performance, and the quality of the presentation can influence her choice.

There is no human idea of art involved here, and the bird is not consciously trying to become an artist. Yet the resemblance is striking. A living creature spends time arranging its surroundings, not to eat or shelter, but to communicate something about itself.

Nature has many ways of making life visible. In this case, attraction is expressed through patience, collection and arrangement—a little exhibition built among the trees, with a future left undecided.

Rajat Chandra Sarmah, Guwahati, Assam, India, Instagram @rajatchandrasarmah, YouTube: conversewithasmile, email rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com