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- Title
THE CHOICE OF PREY AND MODES OF HUNTING OF PREDATORY BIRDS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR SELECTIVE EFFECT.
- Authors
Rudebeck, Gustaf
- Abstract
This article describes studies on the choice of prey and modes of predatory birds with special reference to their selective effect. The discussion of the selective effect of birds of prey started in the decades when the idea of their destructiveness was most deeply rooted and the birds were pursued with frantic energy. In one study, it was observed that sick or crippled birds are far more interest to predators than health animals. Predator birds know from experience that a sick bird is their easiest prey and they notice the sick animals at once from their movements, carriage, and ruffled feathers. In another study, it was also noted that a predatory bird seeks its prey where it is most easily taken. Birds of prey do not hunt for sport. Since it is known that sick grouse do not take cover or fly very far, it can be concluded that birds of prey prefer to seize sick animals.
- Subjects
PREDATORY animals; BIRDS of prey; ANIMAL behavior; ZOOLOGY
- Publication
Oikos, 1950, Vol 2, Issue 1, p65
- ISSN
0030-1299
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/3564663