. The birds of California : a complete, scientific and popular account of the 580 species and subspecies of birds found in the state. Birds; Birds. The American Coot. Taken near Santa Barbara Photo by the Author THE SIGNAL THE FLASH OF WHITE ON THE UNDER TAIL-COVERTS IS THE "FOLLOW ME" SIGN all the interested parties float about with ruffled feathers and outstretched heads laid low, each apparently in a sort of trance of self-satisfaction. Coots are highly gregarious at all times. Although the necessities of the nesting season enjoin a somewhat wide dispersal, there is no such thing
. The birds of California : a complete, scientific and popular account of the 580 species and subspecies of birds found in the state. Birds; Birds. The American Coot. Taken near Santa Barbara Photo by the Author THE SIGNAL THE FLASH OF WHITE ON THE UNDER TAIL-COVERTS IS THE "FOLLOW ME" SIGN all the interested parties float about with ruffled feathers and outstretched heads laid low, each apparently in a sort of trance of self-satisfaction. Coots are highly gregarious at all times. Although the necessities of the nesting season enjoin a somewhat wide dispersal, there is no such thing as privacy in the Coot's affairs. This makes for loose morals; and al- though some preference for mates, with a work- ing partnership, is un- doubtedly effected, it is probable that inter- course is more or less indiscriminate. This is evidenced by the readi- ness with which other cocks are disposed to butt in upon any chase in progress, quite after the manner of the do- mestic fowl. The copulation of Coots, a momentary affair at best, is accomplished upon or under the water and involves at least the complete submersion of the female. Bearing in mind this fact, as also the pugnacity and the amativeness of the Coot, which, in the former respect at least, is equal to that of the barnyard fowl, I believe we have the key to certain strange conduct which has been wit- nessed upon several occasions in connection with the discovery of a nest. One of the interested birds, presumably the male, rises upon the water and treads vigorously in a crouching position, much as a bird would do in copula. But there is no bird there! Is he not then setting up the ap- pearance of the act, a little exaggerated perhaps, in order to excite jealous rage and pursuit, and so of course diverting attention from the imperiled nest? Viewed from any lofty height this is a ridiculous performance, but the poor fellow knows only the range of emotions to which he himself would respond. The female, too, on occasion
Size: 1987px × 1257px
Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, booksubjectbirds, bookyear1923
