FIELD‐NOTES ON NIDIFICATION AND DISTRACTION‐DISPLAY IN THE GOLDEN PLOVER

• Published in: Ibis
• Main Author: Williamson, Kenneth
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1948
• Subjects: Pluvialis apricaria; Whimbrel
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919x.1948.tb01405.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1474-919X.1948.tb01405.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1948.tb01405.x

Summary. Data for the Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria , breeding in the Faeroe Islands, suggest that the species is more successful up to. and including the hatching phase than the Whimbrel Numenius ph. phœopus. Oyster‐catcher Hœmatopus ostralegus occidentalis , and Faeroe Snipe Capella gallinago faeroeensis. Comparative figures for average clutch, young leaving the nest, and losses due to predators, infertility, etc., are given for a small number of nests. Simultaneous hatching is more general than in the Whimbrel and the hatching‐period, normally about 100 hours, is some 10–20 hours less. Detailed records of hatching are given in the case of seven nests. Field‐notes are given on the nuptial flight, and a “partnership‐run” is described. Both sexes share incubation and care of the young, the family quickly deserting the nesting‐site. Shell remains are removed and young hatched late in the day appear to pass the night on the nest. In distraction‐display an aggressive form was not recorded, but stationary and moving “lure displays” of three distinct kinds (in addition to the normal run from the nest or young) are described. A case is cited in which the male, when flushed from eggs, directed the “lure‐display” at its mate.