I have often seen interactions between different spp that could be
regarded as playful. However these are usually between spp that are
either closely related (Thornbill spp) or would naturally associate
together in mixed feeding flocks. They are also usually very brief
interactions.
This observation is interesting because of the length of the
interaction. Was either of the birds an immature that you could see?
(I suppose by this time of year last year's young are looking fully
adult). The reason I ask is because play is often a way that young
animals learn and hone skills (like kittens and puppies playing).
John Leonard
On 27/07/2008, David Taylor <> wrote:
> Hello birders,
>
> I was fascinated today whilst birding in the Lockyer Valley near Brisbane to
> watch a female Rufous Whistler and a Grey Fantail interacting together. I was
> actually trying to photograph the birds and was amazed to see these two birds
> appear to play together for a period of 15 minutes or more and across a broad
> area. The two birds appeared to be enjoying each others company and moved
> from an open area where they sat together on a fence wire before moving into
> thicker scrub and were feeding and weaving through the canopy together.
> Whilst Ive seen two different species interactive briefly I had never seen
> such a relationship play out before me and for so long. At one point I was
> distracted by some other birds and was fascinated to later find the two birds
> still together. I certainly enjoyed the moment.
>
> The Lockyer Valley as green as Ive seen it for many a day and some good birds
> around. Highlight being a group of Ground Cuckoo-shrikes near Atkinson Dam.
>
> cheers
>
> David Taylor
> Brisbane
>
>
>
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--
John Leonard
Canberra
Australia
www.jleonard.net
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