canberrabirds

Ritual behaviour with Currawongs?

To: "COG" <>
Subject: Ritual behaviour with Currawongs?
From: "Lia Battisson" <>
Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:49:17 +1100
We have had similar larrikin behaviour in the playground reserve near me. The Australian Ravens and Australian Magpies were also involved. Could it be that they are vying for places, before those that don't fit have to go elsewhere for food during the colder months?
Lia

-----Original Message----- From: David Nicholls
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2012 10:59 AM
To: COG
Subject: Ritual behaviour with Currawongs?

Winter approaching as it is, the Currawongs are getting restless. This morning (western end of Deakin) they are particularly active and noisy. In my immediate area there must be 50 or more, darting between trees, calling continuously, chasing each other, flying about carrying bits of twig or leaf, and chasing (and being chased by) CS cockatoos (which are otherwise feeding on the Liquidamber seeds).

Apparently pointless but presumably has some social or ritual value? Is this behaviour explained?

DN
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