This is pretty standard operational procedure for all ground etc nesting
birds with mobile young.
On the water. Ducks and moorhens/coot etc are similar. The latter use
visual signals- tail flashes/flicks - it's what the white or red feathers
are for. The chicks then usually take cover in vegetation. Or ducklings are
led away in a close flotilla if cover is unavailable.
Once, inadvertently, I got to observe the process with nestling Emu chicks
in Hattah Kulkyne NP (NW Vic). Initially the Dad relied on his amazing
camouflage to remain undetected. The nest was cleverly positioned under a
huge RRGum surrounded by a sea of fallen debris. It was impossible to cross
this without making much noise. Once he decided he was a sitting duck - I
wandered too close - his head shot up like a periscope. He leapt up and ran
away VERY noisily. He also did a call that told his chicks to scatter and
remain silent, which they did. While he realised I remained he would loudly
stomp past, to try to draw me away. Once the coast was clear (he thought) he
must have given another signal to the chicks who then became little homing
beacons, making special calls. He went about collecting the calling chicks.
I also get to observe it in my chooks. If the mums are doing a good job (not
always the case with mad domesticated fowl) the chicks make incessant
contact calls; she a comforting call. At the sign of danger she gives a call
telling them to be silent. They become motionless or she may call them to
her. You will be amazed how ferocious and dangerous a determined, a usually
placid mother hen can be. I have had skin removed and blood drawn - being
battered with wings, bitten, and gouged with spurs and claws.
Wendy
Coburg Melbourne,Vic.
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