Witmer Stone,
Howard's 'Territory in Bird Life'
“ Surely there is no such wide-spread mocking among American birds and we are led to wonder whether many cases of alleged mimicry are not mere fancied resemblances. If mimicry exists to such an extent it would seem to be a serious hindrance to the development of a specific song. ”
Witmer Stone,
Howard's 'Territory in Bird Life'
“ It of course not infrequently happens that two females are attracted by the same male and then follows a physical combat just as occurs between males when they are establishing the boundaries of their respective "territories." Later on paired males will fight when one enters the "territory" of the other or one male and female will unite in the defence of their domain against a neighboring pair, or a male will drive out an encroaching female or vice versa. ”
Witmer Stone,
Howard's 'Territory in Bird Life'
“ First there is an organic change which stimulates the male to isolate himself from the flock, involving more or less of a migration; then there is the finding of an environment appropriate for purposes of reproduction, in which the male establishes himself, fighting off any rivals that come within his domain; and finally the arrival of a female with which he mates and together they defend their territory and accomplish the duties of reproduction. ”
