Multi‐functional crest display in hoopoes Upupa epops

Abstract

Animals can engage in visual displays, which may target conspecifics, heterospecifics or both. Here we studied the function of the flamboyant crest‐raising display of hoopoes Upupa epops in experiments performed with males in captivity. Males were exposed to sounds of a conspecific (male hoopoe song), a potential predator (human voice), and two controls (the song of a blackbird Turdus merula, and background noise). These stimuli were presented to males in the presence and absence of females. Males raised the crest with a significantly higher probability when confronted with stimuli indicating potential threats (rival mate or predator) than with controls. The crest display was frequent when confronted with both kinds of threats independently of the presence of a female, suggesting that it was directed to the predator and the rival male. The probability of raising the crest was not related to body condition, and there was a marginally but not significant negative relationship between probability of raising the crest and the number of black spots on the crest feathers, which may suggest that crest display could be informing about male quality. Therefore, male hoopoes display the crest in a heterospecific context in response to detection of potential threats, which could be a deceptive or pursuit‐deterrent signal. The results also support a role of the crest in sexual selection, suggesting that crest display in male hoopoes may serve multiple functions.

Facial display and blushing: Means of visual communication in blue-and-yellow macaws (Ara Ararauna)?

“…In crested birds, crest rising is well described as being involved in body threat displays or sexual displays (e.g. [ 21 , 30 , 31 ]); however, in our study, no agonistic interactions were observed between parrots, and birds were non-breeding juveniles (no expression of sexual displays). The high proportion of scans with nape ruffling during low arousal levels is also consistent with observations in passerine birds.…”

Perilaku Burung Hud-hud (Upupa epops) dalam Perspektif Islam dan Sains

“…Burung Hud-Hud (Upupa epops) beraktivitas dilahan terbuka dengan kondisi yang lembap dan memiliki kemampuan yang bagus berupa insting yang luar biasa, memiliki penglihatan yang dapat menjangkau sesuatu di balik keterbatasan mata memandang, memiliki kecerdasan dalam memahami serta merespon hal-hal yang terjadi di lingkungan sekitarnya. Oleh karena itu, kelebihan yang dimiliki oleh burung ini dijadikan sebagai alat yang dapat mengkomunikasikan misi kenabian dan kerasulan Nabi Sulaiman dengan individu yang menjadi tujuannya [4].…”

“…Sedangkan Burung Hud-Hud yang masih kecil, mereka memiliki metode pertahanan mereka sendiri. Ketika merasa terancam mereka akan menyemprotkan kotorannya tepat ke wajah predator itu untuk mempertahankan diri [4]. E. Perilaku Komunikasi Gambar 3.4 Perilaku komunikasi Burung Hud-Hud (Upupa epops) Interaksi sosial pada Burung Hud-Hud (Upupa epops) melibatkan berbagai bentuk komunikasi antara sesama jenis dan lingkungan sekitarnya.…”