A Bird’s Touch

Editor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:45:35 +0000

Nature not only surrounds us with sheer beauty but also offers an abundance of fascinating new discoveries that continue to amaze us. Just when we think we know everything about an animal or bird, they seem to prove us wrong. More recently, birds have revealed that crests and beards are not merely used for finding a mate, but serve a greater purpose, allowing them to explore their surroundings as well. Research on birds, such as the auklet, has opened up a new door into the world of birds and their feathers.

Professor Ian Jones, St John’s Memorial University, and Dr Sampath Seneviratne, University of British Columbia, shared their insights and suspicions that certain feathers on a bird’s body could serve to heighten the sense of touch. When looking at birds, such as the auklet, which have intricate feathers on their heads, scientists found that by putting them through a simple navigational test, much was revealed in regard to the role that crests and head feathers play. Using a dark maze, as this breed tends to breed in dark crevices, it was found that when the birds navigated the test, they succeeded in completing the maze with less difficulty than when researchers flattened their head feathers. It was also noted that in general, if birds have ornamental feathering, they tend to be birds that are active at night.

Researchers then looked at bird species that do not feature elaborate feathering, including pheasants, kingfishers, parrots, penguins and owls. They suggest that even if some birds do not have crests and rectal bristles, longer wing feathers may also serve as a means of touch. Many birds use their feathers and coloring to show off their abilities and to either startle or camouflage themselves from their predators, but there is good reason to believe that feathers have various other functions that we have not been aware of until now. The new insight into facial feathers and flamboyant feathering could lead to further studies,to confirm these findings and the preliminary research. This use of their feathers for touch and orientation has revealed a more complex side to birds, and will have us gazing a little more intently whenever we look at these colorful creatures of the skies.

Sydney Royal Cage Bird Show 2010

Editor — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:51:51 +0000

Bird owners and breeders will be displaying their most prized birds at the Sydney Royal Cage Bird Show 2010, in the hope of winning this years’ prize. Entries for the show closed on 20 January, and visitors to the show can prepare themselves for a spectacular day of birds and tough competition. Different judges have been brought in to judge under the various categories, such as Colin Isbister for the African Lovebirds, Mr. J. Baker and Mr. A. MacCauley for Budgerigars, Mr. P. Southgate and Mr. J. Farr for Canaries and Mr. A. St Clair for Parrots.

For more information in regard to the judges, competition rules and vendors, visit the Sydney Royal website at http://www.sydneyroyalshows.com.au/.

Date: 31 March 2010
Venue: Wynne Pavilion, Sydney Showground
City: Sydney
Country: Australia

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A Bird’s Touch

Sydney Royal Cage Bird Show 2010