Behavioral ecology of coastal peregrines (Falco peregrinus pealei) ...

• Main Author: Nelson, Robert Wayne
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Calgary 1977
• Subjects: Peregrine falcon; Birds - Habits and behavior; Birds - British Columbia; Falco peregrinus; peregrine falcon
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/prism/24399; https://prism.ucalgary.ca/handle/1880/13157

Bibliography: p. 448-485. ... : A long-term study, 1968-75, of Peregrine Falcons at Langara Island, British Columbia, produced much information on the behavior and ecology of this population. An ethogram summarizes descriptions and functions of 43 behavior patterns in courtship, 32 in territorial advertisement and defense, and 15 in self, nest and food defense. Males are more active in courtship, territorial advertisement and defense. Mainly same-sex intruders are chased, but males also evict females. Nine hypotheses of sexual size dimorphism are considered. I conclude that aerial combat with dangerous weapons selects for smaller males, better combatants; the proportion of aerial to ground fighting sets the lower limit to the size of males. The annual schedule of courtship, incubation, nestling, fledgling, and dispersal phases is described. Seasonal changes in courtship are not proximate causes of egglaying. Photoperiod is an early timer for laying. Ambient temperature is a "final" timer, initiating rapid follicle growth ea. two weeks ...