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We returned to the AMNH today and included in our
itinerary was a return visit to the "Birds of New York" exhibit to see what
could be learnt about which leg went over which.
The investigation could not be that thorough, since
there were relatively few species in which both male and female were
shown. Also for some species (even some quite large ones) the legs were
"tucked up" to the abdomen and covered by feathers so no decision could be
made. We didn't find a case in which both birds had the same leg over: but
it seemed more or less random whether it was the male or the female that had the
left leg on top.
Viewers may wish to compare the attached tiny image
of me in action with the speculative example circulated recently.
Security guards were not evident and when I explained to curious onlookers that
I was Australian they just nodded understandingly and walked quietly
away.
Martin
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