Mauro: Your comments about spots on the eyes is very interesting and new
to me. It is common knowledge that many species have brightly coloured
eyes and presumably for a "purpose" - eye colour allows a
bird to identify each others age, sex and species. Changes in eye colour
could also be used to signal a change in levels of aggression. Can eye
colour be used to monitor short-term changes in health? It is a brilliant
idea. Does anyone know of any published information on this topic?
Dr. Wm. James Davis
e-mail
On Tue, 24 Mar 1998, Maurovic, Mauro (SAHC) wrote:
> Hi all,
> The point that Jim makes about the female Zebra finch using the feathers as
> a cue as to the males health is interesting. I wonder if in fact spots in
> the eyes are also used as a cue by either partner, just as iridologists look
> into our eyes.
> I understand that iridology in fact originated when a person in the USA was
> looking after an injured owl and noticed a distinct spot in one of the owl's
> eyes. When the owl was better and due for release he then noticed that the
> spot had disappeared. As a result, pigeon racers used the method to assess
> their racing birds' health and it then moved on for human consumption.
>
> cheers
> Mauro (ahh...this is more like it.....)
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: James Davis [SMTP:
> > Sent: Tuesday, 24 March, 1998 10:46 AM
> > To: Ken Rogers
> > Cc:
> > Subject: RE: Drivel
> >
> > Ken:
> >
> > As you already know, the Cetti Warbler of southern Europe, is reported
> > to live in "dense low vegetation" and has the habitat of cocking its tail
> > downwards. This behaviour is most likely a visual display performed at
> > close range while hidden in the swamp. I proposee that the male "intends"
> > to display the fine markings under its tail. Why? In Zebra Finches the
> > fine streaking on the breast is used by females to ascertain the health of
> > the male - any disruption of the streaking pattern indicates a problem
> > with feather development. The same process could apply to male Cetti
> > Warblers.
> >
> > Care to elaborate further?
> >
> > Cheers, Jim
> >
> > Dr. Wm. James Davis
> > e-mail
> >
> >
> > On Tue, 24 Mar 1998, Ken Rogers wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > Mauro,
> > >
> > > Since you ask, there is no more beautiful feather tract on any bird than
> > > the undertail coverts of Cetti's warbler.
> > >
> > > Why?
> > >
> > > Ken
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------- Forwarded by Ken Rogers/SYS/PI/GGENL/GIO on
> > 24-03-98
> > > 07:29 ---------------------------
> > >
> > >
> > > on 23-03-98 15:33:05
> > >
> > > To:
> > > cc: (bcc: Ken Rogers/SYS/PI/GGENL/GIO)
> > > Subject: RE: Drivel
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Well lets start another thread,,,which bird do you think has the best
> > tail
> > > feathers???
> > > or which bird can hold its breath the longest....
> > > for me, I am interested in sightings, unusual behaviour, etc...
> > > For me it just clutters up my mailbox and takes time to go through what
> > is
> > > garbage and what is of interest.
> > > Mauro
> > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: Tony Russell [SMTP:
> > > > Sent: Monday, 23 March, 1998 1:43 PM
> > > > To:
> > > > Subject: Drivel
> > > >
> > > > So what would you like to see as a more tightly controlled thread on
> > this
> > > > net
> > > > Mauro?
> > > >
> > > > It takes a lot longer to write an email message than it does to read
> > > > one.Those people writing are obviously prepared to put in the time,
> > and
> > > if
> > > > a
> > > > reader is not interested then it takes very little time to skip(sorry
> > > > Susan)
> > > > or delete.
> > > >
> > > > Given the amount of current traffic on the lighter side of things one
> > has
> > > > to
> > > > assume some needs are being met, and without this current traffic the
> > net
> > > > would be a bit short on material.
> > > >
> > > > When material of a more serious nature arises I have no doubt we'll
> > hear
> > > > it,
> > > > but in the meantime I see no problem in a few people having a little
> > > > innocent fun.
> > > >
> > > > Heaven forbid this net should become the channel for only serious
> > > > discourse.!
> > > > Tony Russell
> > > > Ph: 08 82078470W
> > > > 08 83375959H
> > > > Fax:08 82078422
> > > > e mail:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
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