Practical No. 7- Observation of courtship behavior of bustards

 Practical No. 7- Observation of courtship behavior of bustards

Aim

To observe and document the courtship behavior of bustards, focusing on the displays used by males to attract females.

 

Procedure

1. Preparation:
• Study the courtship behaviors of the specific bustard species you will be observing.
• Choose a location where bustards are known to engage in courtship displays.
2. Observation:
• Locate areas where males are likely to perform courtship displays, such as open fields or clearings.
• Observe and note the following behaviors:
• Record any sounds made by the males during courtship.
• Note any visual displays, such as feather spreading, wing flapping, or head movements.
• Observe any aerial acrobatics performed by the males.
• Record the duration and frequency of each display.

Observations

• Vocalizations: Example: Males produced deep, resonant calls during courtship.
• Visual Displays: Example: Males spread their feathers and performed head-bobbing movements.
• Aerial Displays: Example: Males engaged in short, controlled flights to showcase their agility.
• Female Response: Example: Females approached the displaying males and engaged in reciprocal displays.

Results

• Courtship Displays: Males spent an average of 10 minutes performing courtship displays, with vocalizations and visual displays being the most common behaviors.
• Female Engagement: Approximately 70% of females responded to the displays by approaching the males and engaging in reciprocal behaviors.

Conclusion

The experiment demonstrated that bustards use elaborate courtship displays, including vocalizations, visual displays, and aerial acrobatics, to attract females. These behaviors are crucial for mate selection and successful reproduction.

 

(Note: Avoid disturbing the bustards or their habitat during observation.)