I've found this to be a common method of bathing for a number of species,
particularly honeyeaters. I've observed many White-plumed, Fuscous,
Spiny-cheeked and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters do it. All plunges such as this
have been followed by long bouts of preening. Most of these observations have
come from watching dams waiting for Regent Honeyeaters to turn up, and also on
bird banding trips.
I remember discussing this sort of thing with Henry Nix (from ANU and on BA's
committee). Henry reckoned the smaller the bird, the deeper the water. Whereas
Brown Thornbills would simply dive into the deepest water head first, a Crimson
Rosella would walk into the shallow edge and bathe trying not to get its head
wet...
Anyone else have similar experiences?
Regards
A
Anthony Overs
Recovery Planning Officer
Threatened Species Unit
Conservation Programs and Planning Division
Southern Directorate
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 2115 Queanbeyan NSW 2620
Ph: (02) 6298 9730 Fax: (02) 6299 4281
email:
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-----Original Message-----
From: [SMTP:
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 10:39 AM
To:
Subject: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater behaviour
<< File: ALTERNATIVE.HTM >>
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While walking past a small dam I saw a Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater fly down
from a nearby tree, land briefly (perhaps one second) on the surface of
the water, well out in the dam, and then take off again. It (or possibly
another bird) repeated this action about half a minute later.
Has anyone else observed similar behaviour. It seems strange that the
bird should use such a risky methood of bathing rather than splash at the
water's edge.
Robert Read
Alice Springs
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