Original version

BBC World Service Online

Letter From...

Audiobooks

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

A topical audio essay by a leading commentator from around the world.

Letter From...: 18/07/2009

18/07/2009

BBC World Service - Letter From..., 18/07/2009

Sir David Attenborough recalls filming the ostentatious Vogelkoptf Bower Bird.

Sir David Attenborough recalls his visit to New Guinea and Australia to film the most immodest of all creatures, the Vogelkoptf Bower Bird.

One of the most extraordinary structures in the natural world is made by a bird. It’s a Bower - a type of arena in which the male Bower Bird displays himself to attract a female. 

Sir David Attenborough recalls his visit to New Guinea and Australia to film the most immodest of all Bowers, that made by the Vogelkoptf Bower Bird.

In a wigwam construction of twigs and orchid stems, based around a central maypole, this remarkable bird decorates the ends of the uprights with single pieces of caterpillar dung, and adorns a manicured lawn with colourful objects he thinks will be attractive to the female. 

But why go to this length to attract a female? All is revealed….

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Letter From...

18/07/2009

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service