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Notes on Veracruzan Birds

1945; Oxford University Press; Volume: 62; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/4079707

1938-4254

William B. Davis,

Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses

It seems evident from these observations that the Mourning Dove will incubate its eggs regardless of their color.Since no color nor combination of colors caused nest desertion, we have no conclusive evidence whether the bird is color blind or not.Observations of eggs in other nests determined that any sort of damage to the eggshell, such as slight cracks or even small punctures, will cause nest desertion, although this rule is not universal.In many instances a punctured or cracked egg is simply removed by the dove and the other continued to be incubated.The fact that in many cases the returning birds examined the eggs before incubating them would seem to indicate that they noticed that a change had taken place, but the desire to incubate overcame any suspicions aroused by the egg color.There is much evidence from observations of captive birds that condition of the egg is determined through touch.The breast feathers have a tactile sensitivity so that they can determine the weight and structure of the egg.A puncture in an egg is apparently noted first through the stimulus of irregularity.When a dove settles down to incubate a punctured egg, it will quickly arise and examine the egg by turning it over with its bill.If, after several attempts, the egg does not 'feel' right, it will be pushed aside or even carried away.It may be concluded that the color of a dove egg is of less importance to the bird than the structural condition. SUMMARY Eggs in MourningDove nests were dyed with water colors in a variety of hues.In no instance did the color or colors of the eggs interrupt incubation or inhibit hatching.The presence of punctures or breaks in the eggs produces a greater response in the bird than the color, and may interrupt or stop incubation.Vol.62] 1945 J DAVIS, Notes on Veracruzan Birds 273 Camps were established at seven localities in Veracruz, as follows: (1) North slope of Cofre de Perore, 10,500 feet, July 26 to August 4, 1942, at a sawmill locally known as Pesoados.The small hamlet of Conejo was a short distance farther up the mountain.Collecting was done in the immediate vicinity of Pesoados and Conejo, except for one trip to the peak.The dominant vegetation was pines, except on the bare peak.Forty-one specimens (18 species) were taken.(2) Guadalupe Victoria, (5 kin.west of Perore; Aguatepec, on some maps) 8,000 feet, July 28 to August 1, 1942, in a stubble field on a rolling, arid plain, near the village.Collecting was done within a radius of one mile.The native vegetation was largely grasses, weeds, and maguey.Seven specimens (two spedes) were collected.(3) Five kilometers east of Las Vigas, 8,000 feet, August 1-8, 1942, in a lava-strewn field.Collecting was done within a radius of two miles.The terrain was mountainous; the dominant vegetation was pines.Twenty-three specimens (16 species) were collected.(4) Five kilometers north of Jalapa, 4,500 feet, July 1-4, 1941, and July 30 to August 8, 1942, on the bank of the Rio Banderillo at the San Lucas Martin settlement, about two miles below the town of Banderillo.Collecting was done within a radius of two miles.The woodland, largely of broad-leafed trees and dense thickets, was interspersed with cornfields.A pond, a marsh, and a meadow were nearby.Forty-one specimens (22 species) were collected.(5) Puente National, 500 feet, July 6-9, 1941, near the junction of a small, dear creek and the Rio Antigua.Collecting was done within a radius of one mile.The vegetation was arid tropical on the uplands and tropical in the canyons and small valleys.Forty-one specimens (23 species) were taken.(6) Plan del Rio (32 kin.airline southeast of Jalapa on highway to Vera Cruz) 1,000 feet, July 25-31, 1942, on a small creek that empties into the main river a short distance below the town.Activities were