Observation #479
click to enlarge — image source Carlo Kopp
Idly gazing into the garden this morning again confirms that relations among so-called ‘native’ doves are not, as their symbolism might suggest, all peace and understanding.
The males of this ostensibly gentle species contend with each other by sidling up to their rivals and lashing out with their wings, using them as kind of improvised bullwhips.
The action produces a mini-sonic-boom — *thwack* — delivering a potentially nasty blow to the opponent.
It’s all quite serious, I’m sure, but the ritualised violence of these Mister Beans of the bird-world strikes me as rather comically like a couple of boisterous adolescents flicking each other with wet towels.
Labels: bird-watching, fauna, observations
posted by Jacob A. Stam at 2/20/2008 12:40:00 PM
17 Comments:
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Bit like the ritualised to-ing and fro-ing over t'other side methinks.
I have been instructed to go see "linked material".
A bit like that Costner movie "If you debate they will link".
If I had a gun I'd shoot the bastards Jarcob!
All they do is eat and copulate.
They are prolific in numbers, and are actually quite a dumb bird.
They place their often poorly constructed nests in precarious positions in trees. (What do you expect with all the time they spend porking)Nevertheless too many of these "introduced birds" still survive, depriving many of our native birds of food.
Give me Raven or a Magpie anyday.
Birds with brains!
not "Bird brains" Lol!
Little (and big) birds usually are nasty, violent, greedy, etc., Dysthmiac.
The phrase "free as a bird" is a drollery that we humans impose on that simple fact. The freedom 'enjoyed' by birds really isn't all it's cracked up to be.
I fancy birds would happily trade the delights of air turbulence, wind shear, and "oh, my aching bloody wings" for our earth-bound, air-conditioned, market-regulated tedium in a trice.
I remember driving along some freeway a while ago when, on the road ahead, two starlings were engaged in vigorous combat, probably over some miserable morsel of insect roadkill. One saw my approaching carbon-spewing vehicle approaching and instantly took flight. The 'victor' who remained probably thought something like, "Guess I showed him!" Then turned to see the iron beast almost upon him ... too late, too late! I swear there was a look of glee on the beak of the surviving combatant.
Kath, a life exclusively devoted to eating and copulation would seem a triumph of the evolutionary process. Probably not as "dumb" as we think they are. Or, if they are, why would they care?
Still, your strong views are noted -- which are pretty strong considering that you prefer magpies -- those murderous raiders of the nursery nest.
Someone told me that sparrows apparently have a very rigid 'class' system, determined by their 'insignia' plumage. A British import, of course.
Father Park, a link is worth a thousand words, don't you know?
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Who wants to know?
Bwca aka dysthymiac aka Ann O'Dyne, I think you have gotten the wrong end of the stick my dear.
Father Park is a jovial, harmless old boy,(just ask Harry) who partakes of a drop of red from time to time.....eg from Dusk 'till Dawn.
Kathy
Not to mention the Black beer.
Father Park is also rather partial to a black or two,as is his brother, Maccarthur Park.
Kathy aka the bitch.
I indeed found that link whilst squizzing at the site. So what? It was, after all, Jacob's post.
My comprehension has not let me down in the slightest I should think. "See also my previous posts - and linked material". Fairly concise instruction/advice that.
Anyhow BWC, the thread in question is starting to resemble the Melbourne sand-belt: links all over the shop.
Perhaps I shall answer "What are ya?" when you answer who?
"Jovial, harmless old boy..."??????
You bitch!!!
Mostly harmless?
Father Park also enjoys a jar or two of vodka with his cousin Gorky.
And a red with Meera
If you really want to hear some serious *thwaking*, search UTube for the "famous giraffe fight video".
Truly, it's gobsmacking.
Giraffes thwacking each other???
No-o-o-oooo-ooo-oo!!!!!
Oh please, the spockled doves were enough!
Hmmm, deleted comments above. Another unsatisfied customer...
Go on, off you go!
http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/famous-giraffe-fight-video
Then come back and tell me:
"Ah nature, so soothing, so serene."
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