2012/02/22

The Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) or Australische Weißkehlente

The male and female Grey Teal share the same colouration, in contrast to the closely related Chestnut Teal, whose male and female are strikingly different. A pronounced  distinction between males and females of the same species in morphology, ornamentation and behaviour is a phenomenon called sexual dimorphism and nothing particularly rare in the avian world. How much exactly it is applicable for the species Homo sapiens is a  matter of lively debates, especially in Australia. Worldwide sexual dimorphism in humans is the subject of much controversy, especially when extended beyond physical differences to mental ability and psychological gender, but Australians love more than any other western society to dwell in the supposed gender gaps. These much discussed behavioural differences are so often repeated that they seem to be internalized to a degree that they become self-fulfilling prophecies,  making Australian society a paradise for any backward  minded macho. The much quoted  saying “boys will be boys” excuses almost all reckless and stupid behaviour of young men as a solely testosterone triggered silliness and therefore not their own fault at all, whilst young women being  reduced to giggling and eye-rolling babes with the only real purpose to be “gorgeous”.  Men that survive into adulthood are supposed not to cry,  not to speak too much and never gesticulate unless if they are of Italian descent, contrary to women of the same age who are expected to be “yummy mummies”, speak nonstop, gesticulate a lot and to wear makeup at all times. As conservative and old fashioned these norms appear, it surprises that in Australian society has a relatively high tolerance towards homosexuality where all the behavioural patterns described above are somehow  repealed. I’m glad that our Bird Of The Week, the Grey Teal,  is not worried by such gender discussions, he seems even unconcerned  that both sexes of his own species look almost the same, and even have an identical coloration and appearance as the female of another species, the Chestnut Teal.

Next week: The Restless Flycatcher or modern live is rubbish.