Finding Partners - Documentary By Bird Watchers Society: Events in Hyderabad

REVIEW FOR FINDING PARTNERS - DOCUMENTARY...

The Birdwatchers' Society of Andhra Pradesh (BSAP), in collaboration with Goethe-Zentrum, Hyderabad, is presenting The Life Of Birds, a BBC series of 10 documentary screenings exploring the life of birds. In the documentary, David Attenborough, a naturalist, hosts an exploration into the secret lives of birds.

This month, the topic is "Finding Partners", and this will be screened from 6pm at the Goethe-Zentrum office premises. 7th in the series, Finding Partners was first broadcast on the BBC on 2nd December 1998, and this program discusses mating rituals of birds.

If a male bird is on the lookout for a partner and has a suitable nest, it must advertise the fact either by its call, a visual display, or both. The frigate bird provides an example of the latter with its inflated throat pouch. The hornbill's courtship, among that of many others, also runs to the offer of a gift. For some species, dancing can also be an important component. The cock-of-the-rock, which dances solo within a group, is contrasted with the team performance of the manakin. Once trust has been established between a pair, mutual preening can follow. After mating, the individuals usually remain together to rear their eventual family.

In this regard, the rhea and the phalarope are highlighted as unusual cases because in both the instances, it is the male that incubates the eggs. Some females judge a prospective companion on its nest-building ability, and this is a conspicuous part of the weaver's behaviour. The bower bird puts on one of the most elaborate displays - a hut-like construction, completed by a collection of objects designed to impress.

Entry to the screening is free for everyone. Please contact Shafaat Ulla at 98492-29552, or Shanti Mani at 93910-08302, or Goethe-Zentrum at 6552-6443 for further details.