AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

The adaptive significance of nest defence by merlin, Falco columbarius, males

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1990
Authors:Wiklund, CG
Journal:Animal Behaviour
Volume:40
Issue:2
Date Published:1990
ISBN Number:0003-3472
Keywords:Falco, Falco columbarius, Falconidae
Abstract:Observations during the laying period and after hatching showed that nest defence by merlins varied from fierce attacks to virtually no response. During the laying period as well as after hatching, the intensity of defence of paired males and females was inversely related. The frequency of nest desertions was higher among pairs in which the male invested little in nest defence compared with his mate than among other pairs. For females, intensity of nest defence was related to the age of the young and to the numbers of chicks. In contrast, these factors did not influence nest defence by males. The consequence of low investment in nest defence by males was a higher probability of the pair deserting the nest leading either to low fledgling production from replacement clutches or to complete breeding failure.
URL:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347205809194
Short Title:Animal Behaviour
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