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Sherry Ritter's avatar

How fun, and I'm so happy you got to see this in the wild.

I wrote up this AskNature strategy a few years ago, highlighting the role of cooperation in nature: https://asknature.org/strategy/males-cooperate-to-attract-a-mate/

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

I loved reading your article and watching the embedded videos (David Attenborough is always entertaining)!! Thanks for the link! How cool that you highlighted manakins and their cooperative breeding behavior too. We need to talk about this in person!

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Lisa Koitzsch's avatar

Manakins! 💚❤️ What a great way to start the New Year! I remember hearing that twig snapping sound and am still completely amazed that the sound came from such a tiny, beautiful bird! I loved the links you provided as they transported me to the tropics - a stark contrast to the snow outside my window. That cartwheel dance was incredible and the Michael Jackson moves cracked me up! And thanks to your tip, I am going to tie my little Christmas tree to my metal bird feeder pole to give the birds a place to hide when they come to my feeder! Happy 2025!🥰

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Natasha Osborn's avatar

How much caffeine do they drink?! Have fun to see such insanely colorful and busy Birds first thing of 2025! It's easy to forget what an amazing array and diversity of birds there is out there, what a treat!

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Diane T's avatar

What a festive group of birds to lead us into 2025!!! As I sit here on a cold dreary day, I fondly remember those flashing marvels of the tropics and the breathtaking dances they earnestly perform for their rather unstriking female critics. The boys may have the looks and the moves, but the girls have the last say!😊

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

The girls have the last say, indeed!! : ) So glad you enjoyed the manakins and I'm even happier that you've been able to see these "flashing marvels" in their tropical habitats! Happy 2025!

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Susie Adams's avatar

That there’s some crazy evolution! Love the post and the links!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Thank you! Some crazy evolution, indeed!!!

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