Year: 1994
Type: article
Abstract: We studied the relationship of Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) territory size to prey abundance and competitor abundance in northwestern California.Kite territory size ranged from 1.6 to 21.5 ha (n = 26).The estimated mean number of California voles (Microtus californicus) per territory was 1,483 + SE of 163 (n = 25).Competitor abundance (i.e. total raptor abundance) ranged from 4.8 to 31.0 individuals/km 2 and was strongly correlated with abundance of M. californicus.Both estimated prey abundance and competitor abundance were inversely correlated with kite territory size.After developing multiple-regression models using both variables, partial-correlation analysis revealed that once the effects of prey abundance were statistically controlled, competitor abundance continued to be significantly correlated with kite territory size.When the effects of competitor abundance were statistically controlled, prey abundance was no longer significantly correlated with kite territory size.In that it appears that the number of competitors was a function of number of prey, we conclude that kite territory size is proximately regulated by competitor abundance and ultimately regulated by prey abundance.
Authors: Jeffrey R. Dunk, Robert J. Cooper
Language: English
Topic: Avian ecology and behavior
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2482221031