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THE TERRITORY OF THE WHEATEAR OENANTHE OENANTHE.
Author(s) -
Conder P. J.
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.tb01430.x
Subject(s) - limiting , geography , population , spring (device) , ecology , demography , biology , sociology , physics , mechanical engineering , engineering , thermodynamics
Summary. Migrant Wheatears held small territories while resting on Skokholm. Resident males usually arrived before the females and occupied territories in which they were joined by their mates. Wheatears pair for life and usually occupy the same territory. Territories averaged about four acres, but less in years of high population. Territory may act as a limiting factor to population size although it never did so in the years of this study. The territories supplied sufficient, if not more than sufficient, food for adults and nestlings. Territory taken up in spring was thought to be of first importance in forming the pair, in maintaining the bond between the pair and in establishing a breeding area. That it also comprised a feeding area was thought to be of secondary importance.