Fighting behavior in Bald Eagles: a test of game theory. [Haliaeetus leucocephalus]
Journal Article
·
· Ecology; (United States)
OSTI ID:5254282
Seven predictions of evolutionary game theory were examined in field studies of foraging behavior of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) wintering in the Chilkat Valley, Alaska. A cost/benefit analysis revealed that the frequencies of two foraging strategies (hunting and stealing from conspecifics) were balanced such that the payoffs of the two were nearly equal. Asymmetries in probable correlates of fighting ability (size and, possibly, spatial position (being in the air vs. on the ground), but not age) and expected gain in victory (hunger level) influenced the outcome of contests over food. Individuals used conditions strategies: small or young birds appeared to hung (rather than steal) relatively more often than others. Pirating eagles often assessed the size and hunger level of food defenders and attacked those most likely to retreat. Contrary to prediction, ritualized displays served to advertise expected gain in victory and were good indicators of subsequent behavior. The level of escalated fighting was inversely related to resource availability. Finally, a graphical model shows that pirating frequency may or may not be influenced by changes in food abundance. The results generally support the predictions of game theory and explain several aspects of Bald Eagle foraging behavior.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5254282
- Journal Information:
- Ecology; (United States), Journal Name: Ecology; (United States) Vol. 67:3; ISSN ECOLA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Behavioral ecology of bald eagles along the northwest coast: a landscape perspective. [Haliaeetus leucocephalus]
Relationship of diets and environmental contaminants in wintering bald eagles. [Haliaeetus leucocephalus]
A spatially-dynamic preliminary risk assessment of the bald eagle at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
Technical Report
·
Fri Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1986
·
OSTI ID:6197289
Relationship of diets and environmental contaminants in wintering bald eagles. [Haliaeetus leucocephalus]
Journal Article
·
Sat Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989
· Journal of Wildlife Management; (USA)
·
OSTI ID:6832559
A spatially-dynamic preliminary risk assessment of the bald eagle at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
Technical Report
·
Tue Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1998
·
OSTI ID:658265