Peter wrote:
> >
> The function of the head-bobbing and bill-clapping display is not known with
> certainty. This behaviour is commonly observed when flocks of Regents first
> arrive in an area. I have regularly observed this behaviour amongst Regents
> in north-east Victoria during spring and I suspect that it is associated
> with territory establishment and pair formation. The birds at Capertee may
> well begin breeding within 4 to 6 weeks.
>
>
> Peter Menkhorst
> Manager, Regent Honeyeater recovery effort
>
Are you aware if the head-bobbing or bill-clapping displays is observed in
any other genera of honeyeaters? Can you recommend any reading material
that covers the displays of regents? In the vicinity of Brisbane the
Noisy Friarbirds are also flying about in small flocks and are also quite
active via vocal and visual displays. The similarity in behaviour between
Friarbirds and regent honeyeaters could be coincidental or be due to
the fact that they live similar lifestyles. Would the fact that
Friarbirds and regents are on the same page of my bird book (Simpson and
Day) indicate that they are closely related? TIA
Cheers, Jim
Dr. Wm. James Davis
e-mail
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