Attraction of kestrels to vole scent marks visible in ultraviolet light
Article Abstract:
Laboratory and field studies of kestrels and voles reveal that kestrels have the ability to detect vole scent marks. Kestrels determine the vole numbers by using the scent marks and screen large areas for the presence of voles within a short span of time. Captive kestrels have the ability to identify vole scent marks in ultraviolet light and it fails the detect the scent marks in visible light. These observations account for the ability of raptors to identify high vole densities without prior knowledge of local food resources.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Do Tengmalm's owls see vole scent marks visible in ultraviolet light?
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted on 14 young and 14 adult Aegolius funereus to determine whether nocturnal Tengmalm's owls can detect vole-scent marks through ultraviolet vision. The owls studied did not display any preference for environments with vole feces and urine in both ultraviolet and visible light and in clean areas with both visible and ultraviolet light. Results indicate that the owls do not employe ultraviolet light to see vole scent marks.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1997
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The onset of incubation in birds: can females control hatching patterns?
Article Abstract:
Intraspecific differences in incubation behavior of wild Eurasian kestrels, Falco tinnunculus, in Finland were studied to determine whether patterns of hatching asynchrony could be predicted from patterns of incubation. Findings were in agreement with the hypothesis that females have much control over hatching patterns. In 65% of the cases, the proportion of daily incubation ascended monotonically with the laying sequence.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1998
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