Premium
TERRITORY IN THE GENUS PARUS
Author(s) -
Gibb John
Publication year - 1956
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1956.tb01426.x
Subject(s) - parus , ecology , nest (protein structural motif) , habitat , predation , seasonal breeder , biology , geography , competition (biology) , intraspecific competition , limiting , biochemistry , mechanical engineering , engineering
Summary.1 This paper deals with the Great Tit, Blue Tit, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Black‐capped Chickadee and Plain Tit. All species are territorial in the breeding season, but show a wide variety of territorial behaviour in winter, correlated with their food supply. 2 The territorial behaviour of each species is described briefly. Sizes of territories are given and differences between and within the species are discussed. 3 The reproductive rate of Great Tits varies inversely with their density. If this is general among tits it could give sufficient selective advantage for the persistence of territory. 4 By limiting density, territory could reduce intra‐specinc competition for mates, nest‐sites and food, or check disease and predation. There is probably no single, outstandingly important function of territory common to all tits. 5 Great Tits, and perhaps other species, looking for a place to breed prefer certain habitats, but avoid crowding. 6 The value of the distinction between territory limiting density and merely spacing out the pairs is questioned. There is some evidence that territory may limit density.