Originally published in 1942, Bird Display is an introduction to the study of bird psychology. Armstrong covers a wide variety of subjects relating to 'ceremonials' and other rituals conducted by various species of birds, including social hierarchy, courtship, song and arena displays. The text is illustrated with a variety of photographs illustrating some of the practices described. Bird Display will be valuable to anyone with an interest in the conduct and communication of birds.
List of illustrations
Preface
1. The ceremonial of the gannet
2. The evolution of nest-building
3. Courtship feeding
4. Ceremonial gaping
5. The significance of related ceremonies
6. Disablement reactions. I. Trance-states
7. Disablement reactions. II. 'Injury-feigning'
8. The expression of the emtions
9. Greeting and other ceremonies
10. Mutual and reciprocal ceremonies
11. The evolution of social ceremonies
12. The function of social ceremonies
13. The social hierarchy in bird life
14. The dances of birds and men
15. Arena displays
16. Arena displays and sex ratio
17. Territory, song and song-flight
18. The significance of display
19. The relationship between the physiological and psychological aspects of display
List of scientific names
Bibliography
Index
Part I. Birds and other organisms
Part II. Subjects
Part III. Authors