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Southern Peru

May 17, 1972
Machu Picchu

SEE TODAY'S NOTES ON DIGLOSSINI

May 18, 1972
Machu Picchu

SEE TODAY'S NOTES ON DIGLOSSINI

May 19, 1972
Machu Picchu

SEE TODAY'S NOTES ON DIGLOSSINI

Comment. I am somewhat surprised by the general social behavior of the birds of the area now. It certainly is the non-breeding season for many birds. And yet there is not more mixed flocking now than in 1964 or 1966. (On the hotel side of the mountain, more or less N, there may be [[underline]] less [[/underline]] than during my previous visits.) This might suggest that mixed flocking here (as in some other areas, but apparently not everywhere) is a reaction to rain and fog (unfavorable? or favorable? conditions). This in turn might be further evidence that most of the flocking of most of the birds with which I am concerned is primarily for defense against predators rather than for food.

Is the behavior-ecology of the birds here really so reminiscent of the western cordillera of Colombia? If so, why?