AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Habitat selection, ranging behaviour and diet of the stone curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) in southern England

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2000
Authors:Green, RE, Tyler, GA, Bowden, CGR
Journal:Journal of Zoology
Volume:250
Issue:2
Date Published:2000
ISBN Number:1469-7998
Keywords:behaviour, Burhinidae, Burhinus, Burhinus oedicnemus, diet, England, habitat, Numenius, Numenius arquata, Numenius phaeopus, Scolopacidae, stone curlew
Abstract:Abstract Distribution, habitat use and selection, ranging behaviour, diet and food supply of the stone curlew Burhinus oedicnemus were studied in a small, fragmented population at the north-western edge of its world range. Stone curlews bred on short semi-natural grassland and spring-sown arable farmland in areas with sandy soils with stones or rubble. They were most active at night and travelled up to about 3 km from the nest to forage. Individuals used a fragmented home range comprising an average of 30 ha of short semi-natural grassland, short improved pasture and spring-sown crops for foraging. Earthworms, soil-surface arthropods and molluscs were the main prey; the proportion of earthworms being lowest when the soil was dry. Breeding densities were highest on short semi-natural grassland. Stone curlews were most likely to breed on a spring-sown arable field if the crop was of a type that became tall and dense relatively late in the summer and if the field was close to short semi-natural grassland or sheep pasture and distant (> 3 km) from the nearest major road. Sparse vegetation and bare ground were the most obvious characteristics of habitats preferred for nesting and foraging.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.2000.tb01067.x
Short Title:Journal of Zoology
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith