bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE SENSE ORGANS OF BIRDS
Authors: Pumphrey R. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.The eyes and ears of birds are compared with those of man so far as the existing state of knowledge allows, and an attempt is made to correlate resemblances and differences with the evolutionary history and the functional requirements of the present day. It is shown that the characteristic shape of the central fovea of the bird's retina cannot be accounted for by supposing that it increases acuity; it is more likely a device for emphasizing angular movements. A brief account of Menner's theory of the pecten is given.In default of any satisfactory physiological data, an attempt is made to assess the indirect evidence relating to the frequency range and discriminative power of a bird's ear. The conditions for the unambiguous determination of the direction of a sound source are discussed and it is suggested that the asymmetry of the ears of owls is correlated with an enhanced directional sensitivity which, in turn, is related to the dependence of owls on hearing rather than sight in their hunting.Reference is made to the senses of smell and touch in birds. And there is a brief discussion of the problems of “time” and “direction” senses.
POLYMORPHISM AND BREEDING OF THE ROCK DOVE IN THE FAEROE ISLANDS
Authors: Fr Niels , Botni Petersená , Williamson Kenneth 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

Notes on the history and former fowling of the Rock Dove on Nolsoy, Faeroe Islands, are given.
The population (normally 50–60 pairs) is polymorphic, the mutants showing a tendency towards melanism and having mantle and wing‐coverts spotted black. These occur in the ratio 1: 7 of the normal type when the population is at its peak, but seem less able to survive a severe winter, so that the proportion falls steeply to 1: 15–20 birds. The existence of polymorphism is noted in other widely‐separated populations, and the incidence of the partial melanism is discussed in the light of data available for 19 broods. The character is thought to be recessive, and more than one gene may be concerned.
Nesting‐sites are described and observations on the breeding‐biology are given, comparisons being drawn with Lees' work on Cromarty birds. Breeding is confined to the summer and is not spread over the whole year (as in Cromarty), and two broods of two young, with a very low mortality, are usual. Young remain on or near the nest for five weeks, but are not tolerated near the new nest by the parent if a second clutch is being incubated. Otherwise they are accompanied and fed for several days after fledging.
Flocking, roosting and feeding habits and bathing procedure are described; stomach contents for April–May, May–September and December–March are noted, seeds of Rutnex providing much of the food. The population is greatly reduced by severe winter weather, and is now (1947) at a very low ebb.
DIVERSIONARY DISPLAY.–PART 1. CONNOTATION AND TERMINOLOGY
Authors: Armstrong Edward A. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.A more exact terminology than that current is suggested for behaviour having the effect of deflecting intruders from a bird's nest or chicks. The general term “diversionary display” is used to describe all such activities, and a distinction is made between “distraction display” and displacement activities having a diversionary function. Various sub‐categories of distraction display are distinguished–injury‐simulation, chick‐simulation, eccentric deportment and advertising distraction display. Attention is called to the possibility that a number of displacement activities habitually performed when an intruder menaces the nest or chicks may have diversionary function.
THE “RODENT‐RUN”DISTRACTION‐BEHAVIOUR OF CERTAIN WADERS.
Authors: Duffey Eric , Creasey N. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

Field‐observations on the distraction‐behaviour of the Purple Sandpiper in Bear Island are given.
A type of passive distraction behaviour which closely resembles the run of a small mammal is characteristic of this bird and other waders which nest on fell and tundra in the northern hemisphere.
A distinction is drawn between “lure‐display”(so‐called “injury‐feigning”) derived from disjointed, uncontrolled actions which result from the clashing of strong emotional drives on the appearance of a predator, and displacement activities (which may occur under the same psychological conditions) in which emotional energy finds an outlet in an existing, stereotyped pattern of courtship or other behaviour.
It is shown that the “rodent‐run”belongs to the latter group, and its origin is traced to the “repeated wing‐ceremony”of courtship and territorial activity. Biological valency of the original “borrowing”, due to resemblance of the movements to those of a small mammal, has ensured its modification and development (some aspects of which are discussed) as a strikingly successful pattern in which simulation of a retreating rodent is complete.
An annotated list is given of species in which a “rodent‐run”has been recorded.
THE DISTRACTION BEHAVIOUR OF THE FAEROE SNIPE.
Authors: Williamson Kenneth 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

Detailed descriptions are given of the lure display of the Faeroe Snipe Capella gallinago faeroeensis as observed in the Faeroe Islands. The chief components are a crouching posture with wings drooped and spasmodically fluttered, and the tail intermittently twisted and spread in a vertical fan. A curious, throaty “hwarr”call‐note usually accompanies the display, but sometimes a loud clear “chap”is used.
Observations are given on impeded flight, and on the behaviour of pairs disturbed when accompanying young. The drumming flight not infrequently occurs as a displacement activity in the male, and the flight with “cheppa‐cheppa”call‐note in the female parent.
An element of surprise in the external environment appears to be essential for a good performance: evidence for this is adduced from field observations on the Faeroe bird and Mousley's (1939) notes on the American Snipe. Lure‐display records in the Common Snipe are reviewed.
The nature and origin of passive distraction behaviour patterns are discussed and it is held that the main element in the snipes'lure display is a formalized development of a displacement borrowing from epigamic activity. The “hwarr”call appears to be exclusive to the lure display and a suggestion is made as to its origin.
Similar displays are found in Scolopax rusticola and Philohela minor, and a courtship and lure display very like that of the snipes is present in Rostratula benghalensis. The pattern may therefore be very ancient, preceding the divergence of the Scolopacidae and Rostratulidae.
VARIATION IN OENANTHE LUGUBRIS.
Authors: Vaurie. Charles 
Published: April 2008

Summary.The males of Oenanthe l. lugubris, and perhaps also the females, are dimorphic, the males having a black‐bellied and a white‐bellied phase. The white‐bellied phase of the males from Eritrea, Abyssinia and Somaliland may be distinguished from white‐bellied Oe. lugubris schalowi of the highlands of Kenya and neighbouring Tanganyika Territory by the coloration of the mantle. There is also a statistically significant size difference.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BRITISH CAMEROONS.
Authors: Serle. William 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA. Taxonomy. As the result of the study of a collection of specimens from the British Cameroons:—

The following races are regarded as invalid:—Mesopicos johnstoni sordidatus Bates, Alseonax adustus okuensis Bates, Apalis cinerea funebris Bannerman, Urolais epichlora Cinderella Bates, Coracina caesia okuensis Bannerman, Cinnyris cupreus septentrionalis Vincent, Phormoplectes insignis okuensis Bannerman, and Urobrachya axillaris batesi (Delacour), and doubt is cast on the validity of certain other forms.
Dendropicos reichenowi Sjöstedt is shown to be a race of D. gabonensis (Verr.) and not of D. lugubris Hartlaub.
Anthus bannermani Bates is shown to be a race of A. similis (Jerd.), and A. s. chapini Grote is regarded as a synonym of A. s. bannermani.
llladopsis moloneyarms moloneyanus (Sharpe) and I. m. iboensis Hart, are tentatively regarded as conspecific with llladopsis fulvescens (Cassin).
The Upper Guinea population of Hylia prasina (Cassin) is regarded as separable under the name H. p. superciliaris (Hartlaub).
Hyphanturgus nigricollis (Vieillot) and H. brachypterus (Swainson) are regarded as conspecific.
The females of the following three forms are described for the first time:—Arizelocichla montana (Reichenow), Platysteira laticincta (Bates) and Dryoscopus angolensis boydi Bannerman.
The range of many forms is extended.

B. Field notes are given on many birds, including the 12 new forms described in ‘Bull. Brit. Orn. Club’ 69 (1949): 50–56, 70–71, 74–76. Special attention is given to nidification and breeding dates.
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE THYROID GLAND IN BIRDS: A REVIEW.
Authors: Höhn. E. O. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.A brief introductory account of the structure of the thyroid gland and the general effects of its hormone are given.There is sufficient experimental evidence to warrant the conclusion that in birds, as in other vertebrates, the level of thyroid function is regulated by a hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, the thyrotrophic hormone.Increased thyroid activity during the cooler period of the year is found in a number of species, and this is probably widespread.For all species so far tested, feathers grown during thyroid deficiency show abnormally loose texture and become elongated and narrow. Reverse changes can be produced by thyroid administration to normal birds.The relationship between the thyroid and migratory behaviour, though probable, needs further investigation.Feather pigmentation is in some species unaffected by the thyroid, but is increased in others.There is undoubtedly a relationship between the moult and increased thyroid activity since a phase of high thyroid function preceding the moult is of widespread occurrence. In some gallinaceous birds the moult can be precipitated by thyroid administration, but not in ducks. In some species complete suppression of the moult has been claimed if thyroidectomy is performed sufficiently far ahead of the next moult due. Complete dependence of moulting on a raised output of thyroid hormone has, however, not yet been proved for any species.So far there is experimental evidence, which requires comfirmation, from one species only that return of the gonad to the resting condition following the breeding‐season recrudescence is to a considerable extent dependent on the thyroid.In Domestic Fowls thyroid hormone affects the spur.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF CENTRAL ANATOLIA.
Authors: Wadley N. J. P. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY.1. The habitats of the Central Anatolian plateau are described.2. A list of the birds seen during the years 1943 to 1946 is supplemented by the results of a small collection.3. The habitat relations ofOenanthespp. andParusspp. respectively are described.4. Ranges ofEmberizas.tschusii, Calandrella b. hermonemisand C. r.aharoniiare extended and 14 species are recorded from Central Anatolia for the first time.5. Spring arrival dates for passage and breeding migrants, and also arrival and departure dates for winter visitors, are tabulated.REFERENCESBird, C. G. (1937). ‘The birds of Southern Asia Minor from Mersin to the Euphrates.’ Ibis 14 (1): 65–85.
THE BIRDS OF THE MALTESE ISLANDS.
Authors: Gibb John 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY1. Observations on Malta were made from August 1941 until July 1945.2. The typical species breeding in the major inland and coastal habitats are described.3. Only 18 species breed regularly in the islands. The number of breeding species on Malta is much less than in equivalent habitats in Sicily. The ecological niche occupied by a single species is often wider on Malta than that occupied by the same species in Sicily.4. The status of some breeding species has recently changed; the history of these changes, and some field‐notes on other breeding species, are given.5. The number of birds present did not suggest that Malta receives any concentrated stream of passage migrants. Diurnal migration was seen only during exceptional weather.6. Many passage migrants were seen only, or in much greater abundance, in spring than in autumn. Few species were seen exclusively on autumn passage.7. Some passage migrants have recently changed status, and there are some new records of rare species.
RAPTOR MIGRATION IN THE SUEZ AREA: Autumn 1949‐Spring 1950.
Authors: Simmons K. E. L. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYNotes are given on the raptor migration in the Suez area in the autumn of 1949 and spring of 1950, together with some records of the presence of birds‐of‐prey in the Great Bitter Lake area in the same periods. Interesting observations are: that the birds do at times make water‐crossings over the Gulf of Suez and the Bitter Lake; and that in autumn some raptor parties, which have crossed over from Sinai some miles south of Suez, take an initial course north along the Ataka Mountains.
INTERSPECIFIC TERRITORIALISM
Authors: Simmons K. E. L. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY1. The term “interspecific territorialism” is defined.2. Examples are given of interspecific territorialism between (a) members of the chat genus Oenanthe (leucopyga, lugens, monacha, oenanthe, and pleschanka) ; (b) oenanthids and a female Monticola solitarius; and (c) the shrikes Lanius collurio and L. nubicus.3. An encounter between a Robin Erithacus rubecula and a pair of Stonechats. Saxicola torquata is described.4. It is contended that common outline and mannerisms are more important than common plumage characters in stimulating these interspecific reactions.5. Interspecific territorialism is apparently one of the means evolved to eliminate the effect of competition between closely allied species with a similar ecology.
SOME RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AFRICAN, ORIENTAL, AND PALAEARCTIC GENERA AND SPECIES, WITH A REVIEW OF THE GENUS MONTICOLA.
Authors: Meinertzhagen Col. R. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYAn attempt is made to broaden the bases of genera and species occurring in the Palaearctic Region by lifting taxonomy out of the narrow rut of regional ornithology.Examples are given of wide distributional gaps among certain palaearctic forms and of a closer relationship between Ethiopian and palaearctic genera and species than is generally admitted. These examples are by no means exhaustive but are in the nature of samples.A more detailed note is given on the distribution, taxonomy and habits (including food‐habits and inter‐specific intolerance) of the genus Monticola, which exemplifies wide distributional gaps; and hypotheses are suggested to explain these gaps.
NECTARINIA JOHNSTONI: A REVISION OF THE SPECIES, TOGETHER WITH DATA ON PLUMAGES, MOULTS AND HABITS.
Authors: Williams John G. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY.1. An extensive series of Nectarinia johnstoni and details of material existing in the main British and American Museums have been brought together, and the status of the various geographical races revised.2. Three races of Nectarinia johnstoni are recognizable: N. j. johnstoni Shelley (syn. N. j. idius Mearns); N.j. salvadorii Shelley; and N. j. dartmouthi O.‐Grant. The distinguishing characters and distribution of these three races are set out.3. Hitherto unrecorded immature and eclipse plumages are described.4. The general habits, food, voice and display are described.5. The breeding habits of the three races are recorded under the headings “nesting seasons”, “nesting sites”, “description of nests” and “description of eggs”.
THE WRENS OF FAIR ISLE
Authors: Williamson Kenneth 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY

A new race of wren, Troglodytes t. fridariensis, is described from Fair Isle in North Britain.
The plumage of the upper parts of the wrens in the north‐east Atlantic area shows three lines of divergence from the typical race: (a) hebridensis‐setlandicus, (b) fridariensis‐hirtensis, and (c) borealis‐islandicus.
The tendency of the Fair Isle stock towards the greyer mantle plumage of St. Kilda birds may be due to similar environmental conditions, or to “Sewell‐Wright effect” in small, isolated communities.
The importance of the 25‐mile sea‐barrier separating Shetland from Fair Isle wrens is emphasized.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE JAY GARRULUS GLANDARIUS.
Authors: Goodwin Derek 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY.1. Observations were made on wild and captive Jays, chiefly from June 1946 until October 1950, in and near London.2. An account is given of the various posturings and call‐notes and the circumstances under which they are used. Vocal mimicry and “song” are discussed and the copied sounds used by a captive pair are listed, together with the stimuli eliciting them and their emotional implications.3. Some aspects of the breeding cycle are described and discussed, particularly with reference to the spring gatherings, the behaviour of the nestlings and parental care. It is suggested that the primary function of the spring gatherings is to facilitate the meeting of single birds ready to pair.4. Reactions to enemies are discussed, together with the behaviour of captive birds towards stuffed owls and hawks and a live Tawny Owl. Innate recognition of owls as enemies seems to be weak and subject to individual variation. Black corvids appear to be instinctively recognized as potential nest‐enemies and are liable to be attacked on coming into the nest area.4. Dominance and intra‐specific aggressive behaviour are described. Among captive birds males normally dominate females, but the female of a pair that have bred for three years running is regularly dominant over the male while she is incubating or brooding young.5. Feeding behaviour and feeding techniques are noted. Acorns probably form the largest single item in the diet of adult birds. Much time is spent burying acorns, and at least on some occasions the hiding place is remembered. The reactions of captive birds to various warningly coloured insects are described.6. The behaviour of two incubating female Jays points strongly to the conclusion that where Jays are abundant the high percentage of nesting losses may be due to their robbing nests of their own species.7. The anting of captive Jays is described. Unlike other birds, they do not, when anting, appear to hold ants in the bill or to place them with the bill amongst the plumage.8. The play of Jays, like that of ducks and pigeons, consists of “emotion‐dissociated fleeing reactions”, which suggest an accipitrine hawk, probably the Goshawk, as a major predator in natural conditions.
ON THE HOUR OF LAYING AND HATCHING OF BLRDS‘ EGGS.
Authors: Skutch Alexander F. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

Observations on the hour of the day when the eggs are laid are presented for about 40 species of Central American birds; observations on the hour of hatching for about 14 species.
In a single locality each species has its own time for laying. There are also well marked family trends, to which, however, exceptions are found. Tanagers, finches (with one decided exception), wood warblers, honeycreepers, wrens, and hummingbirds usually lay early, from before to soon after sunrise. Turdus grayi lays considerably later. American flycatchers lay consistently later than the tanagers, finches, etc., often waiting until the second half of the forenoon. Manacus aurantiacus and two species of Crotophaga lay around midday; the goatsucker Nyctidromus albicollis rather late in the afternoon.
Birds which lay about sunrise show less variation in the hour of laying than those which lay later in the day.
Among birds which lay sets of two, some deposit both at about the same hour, so that the interval between layings is about 24 hours (e.g. tanagers and very small finches). Others lay the second egg later in the morning than the first, so that the interval is 25 or 26 hours (e.g. the larger finches Arremonops and Saltator). Tioris olivacm which has sets of two or three, and Troglodytes musculus whose set is three or four, both lay their eggs at intervals of approximately 24 hours.
The hour of hatching, for a given species or in a single nest, is more variable than the hour of laying.
With flycatchers of the genus Myiozetetes, eggs hatch during the (late ?) night and forenoon, scarcely ever in the afternoon. Apparently there is a diurnal rhythm in the birdling's efforts to break through and escape from the shell.
With the tanager Ramphocelus passerinii, eggs hatch predominantly in the forenoon, not infrequently in the afternoon, rarely during the night. Here the predominance of hatching in the forenoon may be caused by constancy in the hour of laying and in the length of the incubation period when this is not retarded.
Among passerine birds, there seems to be a well marked tendency for eggs to hatch in the afternoon far less frequently than would be expected if the distribution of this event were random through the 24 hours of the day. But apparent exceptions are noted.
BIRDS ON PALMA AND GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS).
Authors: Cullen J. M. , Guiton P. E. , Horridge G. A. , Peirson J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

During the summer of 1949 separate expeditions visited the islands of Palma and Gomera in the Canary Islands.
A survey of the birds was made, mainly of the Passerine species, to determine in which habitats they were found.
The distributions of some of these species is discussed and, so far as possible, accounted for.
Of 12 species common to Palma and Britain, five had calls which differed distinctly, while three, Fringilla coelebs, Parus caeruleus and Phyllosropus collybita, were strikingly different.
A systematic list for the two islands is presented.
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION IN MALAYSIAN BIRDS.
Authors: Longhurst. A. R. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

The Malaysian area under consideration consists of the four provinces of Borneo, Java, Sumatra and Southern Malaya.
The vegetation of the provinces varies considerably, Java being mainly agricultural, Borneo forested, and the others rather intermediate in character.
The climate also varies, Java being less humid, having less rainfall and more sunshine than the others.
The birds of these four provinces show variations in colour which can probably be correlated with the factors enumerated in (2) and (3) above. The greatest differences occur between Bornean and Javanese forms—the latter being lighter in colour, having longer wings and tails, and lower wing/tail ratios than the former.
ON THE GENUS PTERNISTIS.
Authors: White. C. M. N. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.The Bare‐throated Francolins formerly placed in the genus Ptermistis are considered to be members of the genus Francolinus (little adjustment of nomenclature is needed). Their relationship to Francolinus in environment is considered. The systematics of F. afer are discussed and attention is drawn to the genetic features of its hybrid populations.
A STUDY OF THE BLACK CROW CORVUS CAPENSIS.
Authors: Skead. C. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

The habits of the Black Crow in Eastern Cape Province are described. Resident pairs are strongly territorial, but roving flocks feed over wide areas.
Main breeding season is from August to November.
Incubation period about 18 days, both parents sharing incubation.
Nestling period about 38 days, both parents feeding young.
Diet is very varied, e.g. vegetable matter, including seeds, fruits and bulbs; insect matter, especially dung‐beetles; vertebrates, such as amphibia and small chickens. Indigestible matter is regurgitated in pellets.