Thank you to everyone who replied to my query about the purpose of the
raised wing in the Crested Pigeon, most of whom replied privately, rather
than on Birding-aus.
My apologies for the delay in thanking everyone, but I wanted to consult
Frith's book on Pigeons and Doves of Australia before I responded. The
Crested Pigeon posture that I observed does indeed match the sun-bathing
posture illustrated on p. 241 of Frith's book, as pointed out by Graeme
Chapman and Philip Veerman.
The Crested Pigeon that I observed last Saturday was probably raising and
lowering the wing to warm up, because the raised wing was definitely
orientated towards the sun. But as mentioned previously by me and others,
this same display could well be used on hot days to cool down, also when
bathing in the rain or under a sprinkler, and perhaps as a means of warding
off other birds.
Stephen Ambrose
Ryde, NSW
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Mike Carter
Sent: Monday, 20 September 2010 4:01 PM
To: Bill Jolly; birding-aus
Subject: Crested Pigeon Wing Display
I agree with Bill, that wing raising has more functions than has been
advanced so far. Both Crested Pigeons and Spotted Doves do it in my garden
when squabbling over sunflower seed suspended in a hanging basket for
Lorikeets. Spotted Doves are ejected by the others on approach but use their
wings to deter or fight with their own kind. HANZAB says the purpose of wing
raising in that species is unknown. Crested Pigeons using this tactic can
eject Spotted Doves and keep Lorikeets at bay for a short while but soon
concede. HANZAB says Crested Pigeons use their wings for fighting and my
observations support that. So I think the bird has the wing raised ready to
strike.
Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mount Eliza VIC 3930
Tel (03) 9787 7136
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