Viewing page 497 of 751

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

113

Ramphocelus, I         

March 4, 1962          
Rio Piedras

Arrive C area 6:05 a.m. Still almost dark.

(Before I forget, I should mention that I paid no attention to either C or B early yesterday morning simply because they were relatively silent. Presumably an indication that they are mated.)

Can hear C or B uttering TssN's 6:23 a.m. Can't see bird yet.

Can see presumed C now 6:25. Uttering Ф's in usual posture. Also 1 or 2 loud hoarse PN's. Then flies away,disappears. Continues Ф's and PN's in distance.

Can see 2 females and/or juvs Carea 6:25. Both uttering jumbles TssN's and NN's. Male continues Ф's then flies to same tree as female or juvs, uttering accelerated ФR in flight. Then I lose sight of him. Apparently no cop. Females or juvs continue behaving as before. Then start to feed.

B or C male perched in tree, alone, uttering TssN's. Usual posture. Then starts long accelerated Ф's when joined by female or juv. Immediately assumes extreme Back R & wing droop when female or juv. appears. First turns to show yellow to female or juv. then turns to face female or juv. Then flies away. Female or juv. remains. Joined by another female or juv. ФR "greeting" between them. Then both females or juvs. fly away.

Male back to old station. Uttering more Ф's. With Back R and Wing-droop as usual.(Wing droop obviously ritualized.

The old C "family group" seems to be maintaining itself quite nicely. The 2 females or juvs., associating with one another quite

Transcription Notes:
Ф [[phi symbol]]