I'm not a subscriber, but I couldn't resist responding to the "copulation"
material forwarded to Tweeters from BIRDCHAT.

I've seen White-throated Swifts *do* it on numerous occasions, below me as
I sat on a cliff edge. One bird comes up from behind and literally lands
on the back of the other bird, the wings whirl around, the birds drop
through the air a bit, and they separate. I never doubted that it was
copulation, although I would love to see movies of it slowed down for
examination (birders are voyeurs, after all).

If you ever get a chance to watch swifts and avocets copulate, they have a
really charming postcopulatory display.

No one mentioned the Ruddy Duck, the penis of which is just about as long
as the body. I've tried in vain to see this species copulate, but all you
ever see are these little ducks with smug smiles.

For those with "copulation lists," go to the Arctic. I have been amazed at
how many birds one can see copulating up there, where it's difficult to
hide.

And, finally, while canoodling in the open conifer forest of eastern
Washington on a warm June morning, one can acquire quite a "personal
copulation list."

Dennis Paulson phone: (206) 756-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax: (206) 756-3352
University of Puget Sound e-mail: dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416