The Collaborative International Dictionary
Bower bird \Bow"er bird`\ (Zo["o]l.) An Australian bird ( Ptilonorhynchus violaceus or Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus), allied to the starling. The male constructs singular bowers or playhouses of twigs and decorates them with bright-colored objects to attract females; the satin bird.
Note: The name is also applied to other related birds of the same region, having similar habits; as, the spotted bower bird ( Chalmydodera maculata), and the regent bird ( Sericulus melinus).
Wiktionary
alt. 1 A type of Australasian bird noted for building a large nest decorated with bright objects such as shells and glass. 2 (context figuratively English) A person who collects objects for display. n. 1 A type of Australasian bird noted for building a large nest decorated with bright objects such as shells and glass. 2 (context figuratively English) A person who collects objects for display.
Usage examples of "bower bird".
Ax made his tools like a human, but he attracted mates like a peacock or a bower bird.
Rummaging among the bower bird's nest of religious paraphernalia, Carlton selected for himself a foot-long cross of polished wood, the worn and well-thumbed Gideon Bible, and of course the kitchen knife.