Abstract
This 5-yr study analyses home-range sizes in a population of European Jays in southernmost Sweden in relation to population density and breeder status. Homerange sizes were measured by radio-tracking during the pre-breeding and breeding periods. The home-range sizes of individual Jays changed with the onset of breeding. In years with a high number of adult birds at the beginning of the breeding season, home-ranges were compressed and, conversely, during low density years they were enlarged. Whereas home-range size was positively related to population density during the pre-breeding period, it showed a negative relation to density during breeding. Non-breeders had larger home-ranges than breeders at all breeding population densities. Intrusions by neighbours were more frequent during pre-breeding. These results suggest that an increase in territorial behaviour by resident Jays occurs during the breeding period, probably owing to increased competition over resources important to reproduction.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
