18.01.2013 Views

The Descent of Man

The Descent of Man

The Descent of Man

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

vered;" and the taste, as we see, <strong>of</strong> the several<br />

species certainly differs. (16. On the ornamented<br />

nests <strong>of</strong> humming-birds, Gould, 'Introduction<br />

to the Trochilidae,' 1861, p. 19. On the bower-birds,<br />

Gould, 'Handbook to the Birds <strong>of</strong><br />

Australia,' 1865, vol. i. pp. 444-461. Ramsay, in<br />

the 'Ibis,' 1867, p. 456.)<br />

PREFERENCE FOR PARTICULAR MALES<br />

BY THE FEMALES.<br />

Having made these preliminary remarks on the<br />

discrimination and taste <strong>of</strong> birds, I will give all<br />

the facts known to me which bear on the preference<br />

shewn by the female for particular males.<br />

It is certain that distinct species <strong>of</strong> birds occasionally<br />

pair in a state <strong>of</strong> nature and produce<br />

hybrids. <strong>Man</strong>y instances could be given: thus<br />

Macgillivray relates how a male blackbird and<br />

female thrush "fell in love with each other," and<br />

produced <strong>of</strong>fspring. (17. 'History <strong>of</strong> Brit. Birds,'<br />

vol. ii. p. 92.) Several years ago eighteen cases

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!