Mauro:
Now these are interesting questions (see below). The evolution of the
long tails of male widowbirds (Euplectes sp) poses a few challenging
problems for those of us interested in sexual selections and the handicap
principle. Some people would argue that long tails have evolved as a
species or sex recognition trait; others have argued that it advertizes to
predators that the bird isn't worth chasing because it can easily escape.
I personally, prefer the arguement that long tails advertizes to females
that the male possess superior genes...
Sorry, I just noticed that you asked which birds have the best tails, not
the longest. But in any event, which interpretation do you prefer?
For best tails I'll vote for the male Golden-headed Cisticola during the
breeding season. There's nothing quite like it.
Cheers, Jim
Dr. Wm. James Davis
e-mail
On Mon, 23 Mar 1998, Maurovic, Mauro (SAHC) wrote:
> Well lets start another thread,,,which bird do you think has the best tail
> feathers???
> or which bird can hold its breath the longest....
> Mauro
>
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