| Title | Foraging and breeding behavior of the black-tailed gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) in southern New Mexico |
| Publication Type | Thesis |
| Year of Publication | 1975 |
| Authors | Thomas KGary |
| Number of Pages | 36 |
| Date Published | 1975 |
| University | New Mexico State University |
| City | Las Cruces, New Mexico |
| Thesis Type | M.S. Thesispp |
| Call Number | 00334 |
| Keywords | behavior,birds, bird,Black-tailed gnatcatcher,behavior, Black-tailed gnatcatcher,behavior, dissertation, dissertations, Polioptila,behavior, theses, thesis |
| Abstract | Black-tailed Gnatcatchers (Polioptila melanura) were studied throughout 1974 in a southern New Mexico desert and on several visits in a southern Arizona desert. The study concentrated on foraging ecology, reproduction, and vocalizations. Timed foraging activities totaled 35,704 sec for both areas combined. Foraging vegetation was apparently chosen according to the volume of foliage on a bush. Foraging beat was varied with changes in prey availability. Gleaning was the major foraging tactic, with hawking and hovering being used to a much lesser degree. The foliage-gleaning guild on the main study area consisted of three species, which apparently minimized competition by using different strata within a plant or different foraging tactics. Pairing began in early February although nesting did not begin until mid-day.... Gnatcatchers used the "tsh" call most of the time. This call was given in different contexts and apparently had different meanings. Males were also observed giving a song during pairing activities and attempted copulations. |
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Science-based management strategies for sustainability of agriculture and other land uses
