Re: [MDOsprey] Dickcissels Continue

Guineabird@aol.com
Mon, 31 May 1999 12:26:54 EDT


Just returned from an unusually interesting time with the Oland Road 
Dickcissels. 

Both males were highly visible & singing. However, after about 15 minutes 
watching this delightful scene, things took a decidedly kinky turn when one 
of the males tried to copulate with the other. The male made all the right 
moves. He appoached from above & behind, wings beating to maintain midair 
suspension, body jabbing. Meanwhile, the male/female perched on top of a tall 
thistle plant & stayed put with tail raised high. The birds repeated this 
action on two different thistle plants over a period 5 or 6 minutes.
Any explanation for this behavior?

Gail Frantz
Reisterstown, MD