Article Abstract:
The study to investigate whether dispersal in birds is associated with endogenous events shows that captive western screech-owls clearly enhance locomotor activity in the weeks leading to dispersal and exhibit high activity during the time period when dispersal normally takes place in free living owls. The level activity decreases steadily after this period. Comparatively high activity levels before and during the expected dispersal period indicate natal dispersal in western screech-owls as an inherent or endogenous component, observable in laboratory condition.
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Article Abstract:
Selection may operate on young western screech-owls, Otus kennicottii, to disperse early, but there is still uncertainty about the actual mechanism that prompts juveniles to disperse from natal areas. Circumstantial evidence based on roosting behaviour indicates that parental aggression is not important in prompting dispersal in this species. Parents may prompt dispersal by means other than aggression, or parent-offspring aggression may not be required to prompt dispersal when there is selection on young to leave the natal area as soon as possible.
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Article Abstract:
A model based on body composition, hormonal changes and social stimuli is used to explain dispersal in screech-owls, Otus Asio and O. kennicottii. Dispersal is preceded by increased locomotor activity among juveniles. Studies indicate that there is a surge of corticosterone around the time of dispersal. Juveniles with more fat reserves are dispersed while those with poor fat reserves are left behind and increase their foraging activities.
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