Figure 2 
Bill touching 
described. A Curlew within the group was lunged at by one individ- 
ual but it remained in the same position, with necked outstretched, 
bill open and wings half outstretched. 
Figure 3 
Copulation and 
interjection by a 
third individual 
Walking out of the main group again as in (fig 1), the male mounted 
the female, lying with tarsi flat along 
its back for several seconds before 
coition coitus took place. Although 
extended wings helped to maintain 
balance, at times this position was 
similar to the typical resting position 
of the species {see fig 3). 
Even at this stage interruptions by 
other individuals leaving the main 
flock occurred. The male tilted off 
centre to reach the female's ventral 
region. Contact persisted for five sec- 
onds before the male dismounted. 
It seems likely that flocks of Crab Plovers (in a social aggregation) 
were a necessary stimulus to induce this behaviour. It was also partic- 
ularly interesting to note such behaviour so far from the known breed- 
ing grounds in other areas of the Arabian Gulf. Historically, the Crab 
Plover bred on Bubiyan Island, Kuwait and in view of the observed 
behaviour, may still do so. 
References 
CRAMP, S. AND SIMMONS, K. E. L. (eds) (1982). The Birds of the Western 
Palearctic, Vol.IH. Oxford University Press. 
B. K. Wright, c/o The New English School Box 60156, Hawalli Kuwait. 
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