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Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Aggressive behaviour in Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) during the breeding season

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1992
Authors:PANDOLFI, MASSIMO, D'Astore, PRossana Pi
Journal:Bolletino di zoologia
Volume:59
Issue:1
Date Published:1992
ISBN Number:0373-4137
Keywords:Accipitridae, Circus, Circus pygargus, Corvidae, Corvus, Corvus cornix, Corvus corone
Abstract:Abstract Intra and interspecific aggressive behaviour of Montagu's harrier was studied during the breeding seasons 1987?1990. Of the intraspecific aggressive interactions the most frequent one is the ?attack?, mainly in relation to territory defence. The area defended by nesters against conspecifics averaged 4.0 hectares and aggressivity was more intense near the nest. Female resulted always more aggressive than males. In the defence of pair bond and of territory intruders of the other sex are widely tolerated while females are always more attacked than males. In the interspecific interactions Montagu's harrier was relatively tolerant against other species, even if raptors, present in the breeding area, while also against potential predators of eggs and nestlings, like carrion crow, it seems quite very tolerant. A non aggressivedisplay, ?communal soaring?, has been described in Montagu's harriers for the first time.Abstract Intra and interspecific aggressive behaviour of Montagu's harrier was studied during the breeding seasons 1987?1990. Of the intraspecific aggressive interactions the most frequent one is the ?attack?, mainly in relation to territory defence. The area defended by nesters against conspecifics averaged 4.0 hectares and aggressivity was more intense near the nest. Female resulted always more aggressive than males. In the defence of pair bond and of territory intruders of the other sex are widely tolerated while females are always more attacked than males. In the interspecific interactions Montagu's harrier was relatively tolerant against other species, even if raptors, present in the breeding area, while also against potential predators of eggs and nestlings, like carrion crow, it seems quite very tolerant. A non aggressivedisplay, ?communal soaring?, has been described in Montagu's harriers for the first time.
URL:http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/11250009209386648
Short Title:Bolletino di zoologia
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith