Open AccessEyebrow tufts, display and other behaviour in nesting Metallic Starlings Aplonis metallica
Author(s) -
Clifford Frith
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
DOI - 10.20938/afo38206211
Subject(s) - eyebrow , nesting (process) , feather , zoology , advertising , engineering , biology , mechanical engineering , psychology , communication , business
Observations made at an active nesting colony of Metallic Starlings Aplonis metallica, during the nest-building phase of the breeding cycle, resulted in the description and photographic illustration of a vigorous wing-flapping greeting or pair-bonding display performed on or beside nests under construction. Erectile eyebrow tufts of elongate sharply pointed feathers above each eye are described and illustrated, apparently for the first time in this species.