The species was first collected in 1861 by the explorer Francis Gregory, who gave the specimen to John Gould.

[2] The plumage is brown with reddish or buff spots over the throat, chest, neck, back, head and wings, with a pink erectile crest on the nape.

[2] The western bowerbird feeds on fruits, particularly those of the rock fig (Ficus platypoda), sandalwood, snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) and mistletoes.

Other items taken in the diet include nectar, flowers, insects (e.g. ants, moths, beetles and grasshoppers), and spiders.

The bower is decorated with green and white objects, including berries, fruits, shells, pebbles and bones.