Individual bee-eaters apparently leading migrating flocks, and using distinctive call

In April 1983, while watching migrating Bee-eaters Merops apiaster coming off the sea near Zahara, south Spain, the author was conscious of the fact that their calls were audible for a considerable distance, and well before the birds came into view. It then became evident that in many cases the appe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British birds 1987-08, Vol.80 (8), p.381-381
Main Author: Raynor, E M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Merops apiaster
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Summary:In April 1983, while watching migrating Bee-eaters Merops apiaster coming off the sea near Zahara, south Spain, the author was conscious of the fact that their calls were audible for a considerable distance, and well before the birds came into view. It then became evident that in many cases the appearance of a party was preceded by a very clear and far-carrying call, almost as though the Bee-eaters were being led by an individual bird. This happened several times, and when the flocks passed him the normal, characteristic loose-knit groups were indeed led by an individual or by a smaller group of birds
ISSN:0007-0335