Analysis Evaluation of Resource Value Effects Territorial Defense by Broad-Tailed and Rufous Humming Birds

Abstract

Hummingbirds of the species Selasphorous platycercus and Selasphorous rufus were studied in Colorado, where they displayed territorial behaviour at feeders containing 10%, 20%, and 30% sucrose solutions. At each of the three energy availability levels, the number of invaders, the number of territory owners, and the level of Defence were recorded. After being forced out of their breeding area by Rufous Hummingbirds, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds only bother to defend locations of inferior quality. Both Wide-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds, while keeping tabs on important locations, resort to more flamboyant modes of behaviour, such as extended pursuits augmented with chip cries and aimless wing flapping. According to certain probes, a chase is ready to start if chip calls and hovering are any indication. However, I learned that when an intruder was present, it was only natural to want to get rid of them. Hovering and chip calls were utilised to increase the intensity of the chase. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were less likely than Rufous Hummingbirds to make chip sounds or hover without giving pursuit.