Anne: I can't answer your question, but I would first ask if the
White-plumed HE and Grey Butcherbird share the same habitat, e.g. forested
areas as opposed to open parkland that seems to be prefered by the Pied
Butcherbird. If my impressions are correct than I would speculate that
the W-p HE and Grey BB are more likley to come into contact during
the period when the W-p is nesting. In contact means within close
range of the W-p HE nest, etc. And lastly, I would also want to know if
the diet of the two butcherbirds is dramatically different. I am assuming
that the W-P HE has to learn what is a nest predator, i.e. which BB to
respond.
Dr. Wm. James Davis
e-mail
On Tue, 2 Dec 1997, Anne & Roger Green wrote:
> Can anyone theorise as to why our local White-plumed Honey Eaters kick
> up a terrific racket when there's a Grey Butcherbird around but
> relatively little or none for a Pied Butcherbird? Is the latter less
> sinister because its easier to see?
> Anne
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