Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library.
Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley.
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Transcription
Mothdirector (cont.)
Gotten well up the hill when a "q" appeared near the base of the hill and, while calling, made for way out into the area from which the others had just left.
Perhaps in response to her calling, a "o" appeared from off the hill, possibly the one that had just left with another "q", and the calling then ceased. The "o" repeated her call when calling. Another "o" then was discovered out on the flat out on the flat and joined her, whereupon the calling stopped. Also, a "o" came down the hill to the edge of the flat, possibly the same one that had just gone up with another "q". When the couple moved out across the flat he did not follow, but went forlorn up the hill.
The couple on the flats were feed - following intently, the "o" following closely. The "q" postured several times by raising rump toward "o" and spreading rump feathers. This either frightened him or caused no response. Eventually, without apparent preliminaries, the "o" squatted and the bronzer, less crested, leading "q" stood on top of him, facing same direction, neck stretched upward. Thus for about 1 minute.
Upon dismounting I think the "q" went over his back and postured in front of him, but visibility was not good. They then separated by about 5 yards, preened, fed, and generally ignored each other, but did not separate.
Concerning the call, have heard it at most times of daylight except maybe noon, never by pairs, only by singles. Shot a "o" giving it at Vilgo and saw what we are calling a "q" give it today.
Horses grazed right through a pair today and were