Territoriality in non-breeding shorebirds

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Studies in Avian Biology; ()

OSTI ID:6350424

Myers, J P; Connors, P G; Pitelka, F A

During the non-breeding season, many shorebirds defend feeding territories. The authors studies in coastal California and eastern Argentina examine the extent of shorebird winter territoriality, and describe its ecological content. Eleven species in California and 13 in Argentina defend territories for varying periods of up to several months' duration. The expression of territoriality differs in extent between species, individuals, and habitats, being most strongly developed in local populations foraging on the short-grass pampas and seasonal wetlands of coastal Argentina. Explanation of this variation may best be sought in terms of individual responses to local habitat conditions affecting the energetic costs and benefits of defending foraging sites. One such habitat parameter appears to be the length of time that local areas are available for foraging. Other hypotheses, such as preparing individuals for breeding behavior or decreasing predation risk, are considered and tentatively rejected.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Berkeley
• OSTI ID: 6350424
• Journal Information: Studies in Avian Biology; (), Journal Name: Studies in Avian Biology; () Vol. 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550100* -- Behavioral Biology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMAL FEEDS
ANIMALS
ARGENTINA
BEHAVIOR
BIRDS
CALIFORNIA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ECOLOGY
ENERGY BUDGETS
FEDERAL REGION IX
FOOD
FORAGE
HABITAT
LATIN AMERICA
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
SHORES
SOUTH AMERICA
SPECIES DIVERSITY
USA
VERTEBRATES