Pair-Formation Displays of the Great Egret
- 1 January 1978
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Ornithological Applications
- Vol. 80 (2) , 159-172
- https://doi.org/10.2307/1367915
Abstract
Pair-formation behavior in the great egret [Casmerodius albus] was studied for 2 seasons at the Hog Island colony in Texas [USA]. The 16-17 displays used by the egrets are described and classified as either spontaneous or reactive. Several displays are illustrated for the 1st time. Each display is described for form, variability, contexts and probable function. The pair-formation process, sex roles and characteristics of the pair bond are discussed. Following pair-formation great egrets perform very few displays with their mates. Probably, great egret communication is strongly visual and specialized plumes and derived display forms have evolved to enhance the optical effects.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: