Maintenance and Anti-Insect Behavior of Six Species of Ciconiiform Birds in South Florida

Abstract

Host behavior is important in determining the success with which mosquitoes obtain blood meals from ciconiiform birds (Edman and Kale 1971). Detailed observations of anti-mosquito behavior of captive birds (Webber and Edman 1972), as well as the effects of mosquito density on this anti-insect behavior (Edman et al. 1972) have been made. The effects of age and individual variation in behavior on the feeding success of mosquitoes also have been investigated (Kale et al. 1972). These studies indicate that the frequency and type of defense correspond to the ability of the host individual to reject annoying insects. The present study examines species-specific variation in frequency and persistence of maintenance behavior and frequency of anti-insect behavior among both captive and wild populations of birds. It also estimates the percentage of time captive birds spend resting, feeding, and in body maintenance. An activity index, calculated for each species, serves as a comparative guide for estimating the energy expended in body maintenance and anti-insect behavior.