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I sent on recent messages to Jock Douglas, <> a grazier
near Roma, whom I knew was especially interested in the social lives of
Apostlebirds. I thought he would also have an interest in Babblers. He has
sent me the following comments of his
observations:
"Regarding babblers:
"We have had a group move in to our garden
quite recently. There is at least one young bird in the group. As the
older birds extracted worms and other tasties from the garden soil with their
curved beaks (like miniature ibis) this young bird would crouch near a
hunter/gatherer, flutter and call in a quavering tone. The mature bird would
then feed it. On one occasion after an older bird had fed it the younger bird
followed its elder around and inserted its beak into the soil almost in unison.
Learning by example, one presumes.
"Something I have noticed that babblers have
in common with apostle birds is that they also play games. Apostle birds
play group tag games with leaves and twigs and appear to have a definite sense
of fun and enjoyment. Babblers seem to do likewise but tend to gymnastic
exercises and pranks. These don't appear to be part of any mating ritual,
just good fun. I was wondering if playing games like this is confined to
the socially cooperative species of birds? If it is does this mean that
well advanced social behaviour with shared responsibilities promotes harmony,
even happiness? (As compared with birds which have fiercer competition within
their species.) Or, are there other more logical reasons for this playful
behaviour dictated by some evolutionary process? There may be something
important to learn from babblers and apostle birds Gloria and I'd be interested
in your thoughts as a more experienced observer. [Ha! ha! I'm obviously
not as experienced as Jock!]
"Great rain here. The biomass of green
grass across Queensland must be doing wonders in converting carbon dioxide to
oxygen not to mention ecosystem function! "
Gloria Glass
nr Toowoomba Qld
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