Article Abstract:
A study was conducted on factors influencing hunting range size in breeding Merlins in Saskatoon, Canada. A negative correlation was found between males' size of hunting range and total prey bird and House Sparrow abundance during the incubation period. During the nestling period, however, The negative correlation was verified only for total bird abundance. In most males, an inverse relationship was observed between range size changes from the incubation to nestling period and changes in prey abundance. In females, hunting size was negatively correlated with body mass and Sparrow abundance.
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Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to ascertain the hunting ranges and habitats of Merlins (Falco columbarius) breeding in urban areas. 27 breeding Merlins were radio tagged and observed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from 1987 to 1990. The study showed that resident Merlins, hatched in the city, hunted only in urban areas while the hunting range of immigrants, Merlins hatched outside the city, extended beyond the city. Both resident and immigrant Merlins, however, preferred parks and grasslands over agricultural habitats, due to easy availability of prey species.
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Article Abstract:
The mechanisms underlying assortative mating was investigated in urban-breeding Merlins (Falco columbarius), where age-related pairing among yearlings and adults has been observed. Higher productivity in pairs made up of adult birds compared with pairs including at least one yearling was observed. The differences in timing of breeding activities and difference in plumage between adult and yearling males are cited as possible cues used by females in selecting their mates.
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