Subject: [Tweeters] Choosing sex of chicks by Gouldian Finches,
Date: Mar 23 11:19:56 2009
From: Devorah Bennu - birdologist at yahoo.com



hello tweeties,

i finished writing a story about an elegant piece of research into the behavioral ecology of Gouldian finches, Erythrura gouldiae. In short, these birds are color-coded such that the females know which males are genetically compatible with them based on which color morph they are. this situation is a visual signal for all sorts of interesting life history, physiological and behavioral aspects as well as fitness risks, so of course, the females choose the sex of their offspring based on the genetic compatibility of their mates;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2009/03/genetic_compatibility_drives_m.php

today's issue of birds in the news is now available for you to read and enjoy. this week's issue features a picture of the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Eurynorhynchus pygmeus;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2009/03/birds_in_the_news_164.php

the most recently demystified mystery bird, courtesy of Joseph Kennedy, is a gorgeous Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Melanerpes aurifrons. this bird includes an analysis by our favorite birding teacher, Rick Wright;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2009/03/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_127.php

today's mystery bird, thanks to Richard Ditch, is now available for you to peer at, and to identify;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2009/03/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_164.php

cheers,

GrrlScientist
Devorah
http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/
Roosting high up a tree somewhere in Central Park, NYC