Satin Bowerbird Original Gouache Painting on Paper

Original Gouache Painting

A study of a Satin Bowerbird, an original gouache painting by Amanda Gosse.

The satin bowerbird, scientific name Ptilonorhynchus violaceus, native to the forests of eastern Australia, is renowned for its complex courtship behaviour and striking appearance. Adult males exhibit a glossy, iridescent blue-black plumage, while females and juveniles possess more subdued olive-green feathers with scalloped markings. During the breeding season, males construct elaborate structures known as bowers—avenues of twigs arranged on the ground—which they decorate with predominantly blue objects such as feathers, berries, and bits of plastic to attract mates. This bower-building is not for nesting but serves as a display of cognitive skill and aesthetic preference, playing a critical role in female mate selection.
Did you know? Immature males, which can take up to seven years to acquire their full adult plumage, often build practice bowers and mimic the courtship displays of mature males—sometimes even successfully attracting females—despite still resembling females in appearance.

Artwork Specifications

Gouache paint and colour pencil on high quality 300gsm watercolour paper.

A4 — 29.7 x 21 cm (11.7 x 8.3 inches).

Signed on the front. A certificate of authenticity will be provided with the artwork.

The painting will arrive unframed.
If you would like the painting framed, please add this frame to your order.

Limited edition fine art giclée prints of this artwork now available here.