AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Prey detection in the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio): an experimental study

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1985
Authors:Carlson, A
Journal:Animal Behaviour
Volume:33
Issue:4
Date Published:1985
ISBN Number:0003-3472
Keywords:Laniidae, Lanius, Lanius collurio, Lanius schach
Abstract:Distance-dependent prey detection was experimentally studied in the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio L.). Maggots were presented at varying distances and the time a food-deprived bird scanned for prey before attacking it was measured. The probability of detecting a prey decreased with increasing distance. There was a tendency for less precision in the strike with increasing attack distance. There was a greater probability that the birds would detect a prey at a given distance from a high perch than from a low perch. Prey concealment reduced the detection probability. Detection time for a prey increased significantly with increasing predator-prey distance. Several of the findings are consistent with the predictions of an optimal predator search model (Andersson 1981).
URL:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347285801846
Short Title:Animal Behaviour
Taxonomic name: 
Laniidae (Birds), Lanius (Birds), Lanius collurio (Birds), Lanius Collurio (Birds), Lanius schach (Birds), Lanius Schach (Birds)
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith