More on the pre-copulatory display of the Red-faced Mousebird

Abstract

A common feature of the pre-copulatory displays of mousebirds (Coliidae) is their peculiar ?bouncing? or ?bobbing? display. During this display a bird bobs rhythmically at approximately 1 second intervals on a sturdy branch or platform. Although the bobbing bird usually clears the branch by between 2 and 4 cm, it will occasionally bob by simply extending the legs upward without its feet leaving the branch. Other pre-copulatory activities of mousebirds include feather fluffing (raising) by the bobbing bird, allopreening (mainly by the male), and bill rubbing (by both sexes).