Forget humming birds, this one plays the violin
The desire among romantically inclined males to serenade loved ones with the strains of a violin is not just a human trait. Scientists have discovered that a colourful, South American sparrow-like bird uses a similar technique to woo its potential partners. Using high-speed cameras, researchers have shown that the male club-winged manakin makes its bizarre "violin hum" by rubbing together specially adapted feathers.