Effects of Hand-Rearing and Radiotransmitters on Flight of Gray Partridge

Abstract

Takeoff ability has an important role in escape from a predator in the gray partridge (Perdix perdix). Rearing in captivity and radiotagging may impair the takeoff ability of birds. To test this, the takeoff angle, flight speed, and climbing rate of wild and hand-reared gray partridges were measured indoors with an optoelectronic motion analysis system. In addition, we tested the effect of an attached radiotransmitter on the takeoff ability of wild partridges. Wild birds had a steeper takeoff angle (P = 0.001) and greater climbing rate (P < 0.001) than hand-reared birds. The transmitter decreased takeoff angle (P = 0.006) and climbing rate (P = 0.002) of wild partridges. The negative effect of hand-rearing and radiotagging on takeoff ability may increase gray partridges' vulnerability to predation.