Re: Duration of bird sex

[Julian Robinson <>]

Thanks for that Philip.  While it's an interesting insight, I agree
and don't think the gang-gang pics amount to a paper!   It is
possible as Michael suggested that they might be interesting as a photo
record of the event - at least, it might if there aren't already lots of
others. 

The duration question is still interesting. So far we have three data
points, which is making into a case that stands in strong contrast to
what's generally observed for other birds. (although I still don't know
if HANZAB etc knows this already).

Julian 

At 11:44 PM 27/11/2008, you wrote:

Hi Julian,
 
I suggest that observations like that are worth noting, so you shouldn't doubt that aspect. I haven't looked at your photos but yes I'd say that is a slow process relative to the usual for birds. The issue is though that single ad hoc observations are hard to use in a publication sense until they have several repeats and thus a context in which to use them. My example of that from personal observation comes from the Regent Honeyeater vocal mimicry in which I first observed it in 1974 and when I realised it was something odd (much later), researched it and the relevant literature extensively and got a heap of other observations and built up a case for publication, that happened in 1992 and updated in 1994. Of course that was something much more odd than long mating processes but builds up a case as to how to get something published. Of course it doesn't need to be that slow, but AFO probably wants something more than just one observation - though you might be lucky.
 
You are welcome to visit me and consult my HANZAB if it helps. I would also observe that the set of what references are cited in HANZAB and what are not is notably peculiar and inconsistent, largely due to the workload of whoever was compiling what species and what was available at the time..
 
Philip