AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

UV reflecting vole scent marks attract a passerine, the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2002
Authors:Probst, R, Pavličev, M, VIITALA, JUSSI
Journal:Journal of Avian Biology
Volume:33
Issue:4
Date Published:2002
ISBN Number:1600-048X
Keywords:Arena, Laniidae, Lanius, Lanius excubitor, Lanius meridionalis, Lanius pallidirostris
Abstract:Diurnal raptors have been shown to use ultraviolet vision and UV-reflecting vole scent marks to find suitable hunting areas. We studied if a passerine species, the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor that uses voles as its primary food, may also detect prey-patches in the same way. We conducted a laboratory experiment with ten shrikes. Each individual shrike had four options to choose from: (1) scent marks with UV light, (2) scent marks without UV light, (3) clean arena with UV light, and (4) clean arena without UV light. The birds preferred the scent-marked arena with UV light as measured by the number of scans and the time spent above it. Therefore, we suggest that great grey shrike probably uses UV cues to gain information on vole locations and abundance.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-048X.2002.02760.x
Short Title:Journal of Avian Biology
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith