By Jeremy Coles, Reporter, BBC Nature
"Mesmerising and with a little bit of mystery about
it."
That is how aviculturist Amy King describes the graceful
leaping, bowing, running, spinning and grass-tossing of dancing cranes.
This unique and spectacular behaviour has been imitated in
various human cultures since the Stone Age and the purpose of such elaborate
displays is widely understood to establish and reaffirm long-term pair bonds.
But on the occasion that young or single birds dance, for
no clear social reasons, scientists become really intrigued.
Curiously, all species of crane dance throughout the year
and at any age. The behaviour can appear random at times: sparked by a feather,
stick or gust of wind.
The wildlife school of dance
Explanations for this peculiar propensity for dance have
included socialisation and pair bonding in sub-adults, averting aggression and
as a displacement activity when nervous.
But while these reasons could drive certain situations,
they cannot explain everything.
Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21944173
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