AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Predation by the Western Gull on the Eared Grebe at a Salina in Mexico

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2004
Authors:Peralta-Gallegos, JCesar, Castellanos-Vera, A, ORTEGA-RUBIO, ALFREDO
Journal:Waterbirds
Volume:27
Issue:4
Date Published:2004
ISBN Number:1524-4695
Keywords:Laridae, Larus, Larus occidentalis, Mexico, Podiceps, Podiceps nigricollis, Podicipedidae
Abstract:Abstract We studied the predation of the Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) on the Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) from December 2002 to June 2003 at a solar saltworks. Mechanisms of predatory behavior, such as use of perching site, attack maneuvers and killing and catching grebes, as well as behavior of the grebes as a response to the presence and attacks by gulls, were recorded. In all 35 cases where a gull attempt to feed was seen, it was successful in every case. This is the first report about predation by the Western Gull on the Eared Grebe.Abstract We studied the predation of the Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) on the Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) from December 2002 to June 2003 at a solar saltworks. Mechanisms of predatory behavior, such as use of perching site, attack maneuvers and killing and catching grebes, as well as behavior of the grebes as a response to the presence and attacks by gulls, were recorded. In all 35 cases where a gull attempt to feed was seen, it was successful in every case. This is the first report about predation by the Western Gull on the Eared Grebe.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1675/1524-4695(2004)027[0483:PBTWGO]2.0.CO;2
Short Title:Waterbirds
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