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TERRITORIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE AMERICAN ROBIN TURDUS MIGRATORIUS.
Author(s) -
Young Howard
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.tb01429.x
Subject(s) - trespass , biological dispersal , mating , geography , ecology , biology , demography , political science , sociology , law , population
Summary. American Robins show territorial behaviour in the springtime by partially isolating themselves on areas and displaying intolerance of varying degrees towards intruders. Territories are established by the males; the females later help in maintaining the boundaries. These boundaries are not precisely defined, and claimed areas often overlap. Excessive trespass and frequent fights are characteristic in this species. Inter‐sexual combat occurs, and the males are dominant to the females. Possible functions of territory in this species include:helping to ensure a food supply, enhancing the opportunities for mating by dispersal of the males, and maintenance of the pair bond.