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32

Ramphocelus, May 1, 1958, I          

it does utter R sometimes without actual attack. So some of these R's may be produced when the attack drive isn't absolutely over-whelmingly predominant.

(And these R's probably are thin and wiry enough to be called ΦR's).


Ramphocelus, I       

May 17, 1958
Barro Colorado

The 2 captive birds seem to be doing quite well. 

The black left bird is getting a few brighter red feathers here and there, and his lower mandible is turning whitish toward the base - so it is quite definite now that he is a young male.

He has been singing a lot today. Much as before, but I saw it a little better than before. The sitting posture from which it is given is obviously quite unritualized, the wings may be folded over the rump or slightly drooped (but not spread). Bill kept absolutely closed throughout.

[[image - sketch of a bird]]

The only evidence, aside from sound, that the bird really is singing, is the fact that the throat goes in and out, and the tail goes up & down (quite rapid and quite extreme). The head, throat, and (usually) the upper breast feathers are ruffled quite conspicuously. The rest of the plumage may be fluffed a little, but not very much.

Most of their singing performances are pure WS. This is definitely quite warbling. And it is slightly louder now than before - I think.