COMPARATIVE DISPLAYS AMONG 4 SPECIES OF TRAGOPANS AND THEIR DERIVATION AND FUNCTION

This paper provides the first description and comparison of courtship behaviours in males of four species of tragopans in captivity. Inter-s pecific comparisons of each of the five displays (frontal, lateral, wi ng whir, flight, and lappet dropping) were similar with one main diffe rence; Temminck's and Satyr tragopans assumed an arched posture, in ad dition to the upright posture during the lateral display. All frontal and lateral displays were performed only in front of females and most likely have a sexual function. In contrast, wing whir; flight, and lap pet dropping displays were also performed in front of other males. The refore, these displays are most likely to be sexual and aggressive in function and may also be a form of comfort behaviour in the lappet dis play. The first female displays are described for this genus. Intra- a nd inter-specific lateral displays in females were only directed towar ds other females and probably function as a threat display. Because of the similarities of the five displays among the four species of trago pans studied, courtship displays do not appear to serve as behavioural isolating mechanisms in zones of sympatry. However, lappet dropping, flight, and frontal displays are unique to this genus and probably fun ction to reduce intergeneric hybridization. Female choice is probably based on differences in plumage colouration, lappet pattern and colour ation, and vocalizations rather than display characteristics, as the f ormer characteristics have diverged considerably as a result of sexual selection.