Hi all,
The point that Jim makes about the female Zebra finch using the feathers as
a cue as to the males health is interesting. I wonder if in fact spots in
the eyes are also used as a cue by either partner, just as iridologists look
into our eyes.
I understand that iridology in fact originated when a person in the USA was
looking after an injured owl and noticed a distinct spot in one of the owl's
eyes. When the owl was better and due for release he then noticed that the
spot had disappeared. As a result, pigeon racers used the method to assess
their racing birds' health and it then moved on for human consumption.
cheers
Mauro (ahh...this is more like it.....)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: James Davis [SMTP:
> Sent: Tuesday, 24 March, 1998 10:46 AM
> To: Ken Rogers
> Cc:
> Subject: RE: Drivel
>
> Ken:
>
> As you already know, the Cetti Warbler of southern Europe, is reported
> to live in "dense low vegetation" and has the habitat of cocking its tail
> downwards. This behaviour is most likely a visual display performed at
> close range while hidden in the swamp. I proposee that the male "intends"
> to display the fine markings under its tail. Why? In Zebra Finches the
> fine streaking on the breast is used by females to ascertain the health of
> the male - any disruption of the streaking pattern indicates a problem
> with feather development. The same process could apply to male Cetti
> Warblers.
>
> Care to elaborate further?
>
> Cheers, Jim
>
> Dr. Wm. James Davis
> e-mail
>
>
> On Tue, 24 Mar 1998, Ken Rogers wrote:
>
> >
> > Mauro,
> >
> > Since you ask, there is no more beautiful feather tract on any bird than
> > the undertail coverts of Cetti's warbler.
> >
> > Why?
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >
> > ---------------------- Forwarded by Ken Rogers/SYS/PI/GGENL/GIO on
> 24-03-98
> > 07:29 ---------------------------
> >
> >
> > on 23-03-98 15:33:05
> >
> > To:
> > cc: (bcc: Ken Rogers/SYS/PI/GGENL/GIO)
> > Subject: RE: Drivel
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Well lets start another thread,,,which bird do you think has the best
> tail
> > feathers???
> > or which bird can hold its breath the longest....
> > for me, I am interested in sightings, unusual behaviour, etc...
> > For me it just clutters up my mailbox and takes time to go through what
> is
> > garbage and what is of interest.
> > Mauro
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Tony Russell [SMTP:
> > > Sent: Monday, 23 March, 1998 1:43 PM
> > > To:
> > > Subject: Drivel
> > >
> > > So what would you like to see as a more tightly controlled thread on
> this
> > > net
> > > Mauro?
> > >
> > > It takes a lot longer to write an email message than it does to read
> > > one.Those people writing are obviously prepared to put in the time,
> and
> > if
> > > a
> > > reader is not interested then it takes very little time to skip(sorry
> > > Susan)
> > > or delete.
> > >
> > > Given the amount of current traffic on the lighter side of things one
> has
> > > to
> > > assume some needs are being met, and without this current traffic the
> net
> > > would be a bit short on material.
> > >
> > > When material of a more serious nature arises I have no doubt we'll
> hear
> > > it,
> > > but in the meantime I see no problem in a few people having a little
> > > innocent fun.
> > >
> > > Heaven forbid this net should become the channel for only serious
> > > discourse.!
> > > Tony Russell
> > > Ph: 08 82078470W
> > > 08 83375959H
> > > Fax:08 82078422
> > > e mail:
> >
> >
> >
> >
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