THE AGGRESSIVE AND DISTRACTION BEHAVIOUR OF THE WESTERN SANDPIPER EREUNETES MAURI

Abstract

SUMMARYThe breeding biology and aggressive and distraction behaviour of the Western Sandpiper Ereunetes mauri are described from observations in the Hooper Bay area of Western Alaska during the summer of 1960.The motivation of the distraction displays is analysed in detail, and it is concluded that the observed behaviour is the resultant of the attack and escape tendencies; the brooding tendency is not primarily involved. The function of the distraction displays is discussed in relation to human and other predators.