AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Zur möglichen Funktion und Konvergenz wippender Körperbewegungen bei Vögeln

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1988
Authors:Hashmi, D
Journal:Journal of Ornithology
Volume:129
Issue:4
Date Published:1988
ISBN Number:2193-7192
Keywords:Actitis, Actitis hypoleucos, Actitis macularia, Actitis macularius, Cinclidae, Cinclus, Cinclus cinclus, Hypoleucos, Motacillidae, Scolopacidae, Tringa hypoleucos, Tringa macularia, Xenus, Xenus cinereus
Abstract:Summary Many species of wagging birds — e.g. tail-wagging Common and Spotted Sandpiper ( Actitis hypoleucos, A. macularia ), some Wagtails (Motacillidae), Forktails (Enicuridae) or body-bobbing Dippers (Cinclidae) — inhabit fast-running streams and it appears that the behaviour is a convergent adaption to this habitat. Possible functions are discussed; the hypothesis is given that birds of fast-running streams benefit due to wagging as an optical intraspecific signal (e. g. in territorial or sexual behaviour). Owing to the unfavourable acoustical situation (noise of the running water) and the linear habitat, vocal signals are presumed to be generally less effective than optical signals. Predictions concerning the European species based on this hypothesis are in agreement with the available evidence in literature.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01644490
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith