Saturday, October 23, 2010

Red-backed Fairy-wren betwigged

More chasing of Red-backed Fairy-wrens (Malurus melanocephalus) in Tyto today, without getting one to sit still outside a clutter of twigs (above and below).




Here's an older soft image, with bird clutching little love token.
Click pix to enlarge    
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4 comments:

  1. Denis WilsonOctober 23, 2010 at 10:17 PM

    The second image looks like he had been for a swim, or similar.
    Last image is great.
    The "love token" - is it "feed" or decoration?
    Denis

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  2. Tyto TonyOctober 24, 2010 at 7:40 AM

    Hi Denis: Token carried to make bird more attractive to females, presumably by extending the red range. Never seen any reaction from females that the tokens achieve anything.

    ReplyDelete
  3. GouldiaeOctober 25, 2010 at 5:47 AM

    G'day Tony,
    Who cares about the twig clutter? That's how you see 'em - still beautiful. Our 'Blue Wrens' or Superb Fairy Wrens can sometimes be seen carrying a love token. I think a lot of small birds have this habit.
    Gouldiae.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tyto TonyOctober 25, 2010 at 3:58 PM

    Thanks Gouldiae. And I guess the clutter proves what pure birders we are - no setups or elaborate PP for us!

    ReplyDelete

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