FreeLists / tn-bird / [tn-bird] Re: Ruby-throat antics

[RubyThroat@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 6/8/02 7:00:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time, mtnsylva@xxxxxxx 
writes:


> I saw the same thing happen yesterday.  Might the looping be a territorial 
> statement rather than a courtship display?
> Michael Sylva
> Del Rio TN  

Michael and fellow TnBirders
In my experience, the "U" shaped vertical loops are indeed aggression.  They 
are performed by males on males, females on females, young on old birds, etc. 
 We notice them more when the the adult males are involved because of the 
high level of wing noise produced the the thin pointed wings of the adult 
males.  In some instances the male can quickly shift from the dive display to 
the close-in, in-your face "shuttle"  that is strictly romance.  We know very 
little about the part played by vocalizations during the shuttle display.  

Actually, we know very little about the lives of hummingbirds, PERIOD.  
Ignorance is a good motivator!

Bob Sargent
Trussville, Alabama  


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