I witnessed an extended Gang-gang copulation last week at the bot
gardens. I was surprised by the duration of the actual copulation,
and the fact that it seemed they really enjoyed themselves and
apparently (anthropomorphism alert!) put thought, humour and even
tenderness into the business. Since I photographed the event, I know
that the copulation itself lasted 1minute 45 seconds, and was
punctuated by variations in position and activities, and much
"kissing". That's a long time in bird time. From the beginning of
mutual preening and other petting and display behaviour, the whole
thing lasted just under 10 minutes.
None of my books tell me anything about duration or what behaviour is
normal for Gang-gangs during copulations, and I certainly haven't
seen anything similar in other birds in my limited experience, so I
wondered if anyone knows if this is usual or exceptional, or anything
else about it.
I've posted the episode on the net; people into bird behaviour might
find it interesting, although note that I have added some
anthropomorphic interpretations that need to be be ignored by people
who hate that sort of thing. (it helps me notice behaviour more, and
some of it seems funny).
Images posted in chronological order in four parts:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozjulian/3052797626/ Part 1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozjulian/3052801616/ Part 2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozjulian/3051977883/ Part 3
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozjulian/3052817068/ Part 4
I would appreciate any thoughts on usualness or not etc., or the
worth of such a record.
Julian
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