Save

The Occurrence, Context and Functional Significance of Aggressive Begging Behaviours in Young American White Pelicans

于Behaviour
著者:
Kevin J. Cash (Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 3A1

Search for other papers by Kevin J. Cash in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
Roger M. Evans (Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 3A1

Search for other papers by Roger M. Evans in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Download Citation 获得许可

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login with Institutional Access

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

€36.93

Abstract

Aggressive behaviours occurring in association with about 90% of all feedings developed in American white pelican chicks approximately three weeks old. These behaviours involved aggression directed toward self (Convulstion) and other young (Aggression). Observation of feedings revealed that: (1) when both Convulsion and Aggression occurred before or after a given feeding, convulsion bore a closer temporal relationship to the feed itself than did Aggression, (2) the frequency of both Aggression and Convulsion prior to feeding increased as the length of the begging bout increased, (3) the frequency of Convulsion and Aggression following feeding was not related to the duration of the feed but did depend on the amount fed (as measured by throat distension). Observations of identifiable parents and chicks revealed that most chicks receive a single feeding each day, each parent returning to the colony every two days. The frequency of multiple feeds given to the same chick on the same day or (by the presumed same parent) two days later was not related to the frequency of Aggression or Convulsion given after a feeding. The close association of these displays with feeding and low-intensity begging suggests that they function primarily as begging displays or, for Aggression, to drive other young away from the parent food source. Evidence suggesting that Convulsion may be a manifestation of parent-offspring conflict is discussed. Alternative proposed functions of Convulsion and Aggression are not supported by data collected in this study.

内容统计数据

全部期间 过去一年 过去30天
摘要浏览次数 364 99 8
全文浏览次数 133 3 0
PDF下载次数 38 6 0