Aggressive Response of Adult Bobolinks to Neck Ligatures on Nestlings

Lynn P. Little; Allan M. Strong; Noah G. Perlut

doi:10.1676/1559-4491-121.2.441

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Lynn P. Little,^*,** Allan M. Strong,^***,**** Noah G. Perlut^*****

^* Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
^** Current address: 5060 Bentley Lane, Columbus, OH 43220, USA
^*** Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, 81 Carrigan Drive, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
^**** Corresponding author; allan.strong@uvm.edu
^***** Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA

Abstract

We monitored provisioning behavior at 18 Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) nests during 240.5 min of videotape data from June to July 2006, and observed 64 nest visits by adults while nestlings were fitted with neck ligatures. Adults pecked or pulled at the ligatures, often aggressively, at 72% of nests (n = 18) and 52% of visits (n = 64). These behavioral responses by adults indicate the neck ligature technique is more invasive than previously believed. We documented no mortality as a result of ligature placement, but researchers should minimize the time that ligatures are in place to reduce stress to both parents and nestlings.

Citation Download Citation

Lynn P. Little, Allan M. Strong, and Noah G. Perlut "Aggressive Response of Adult Bobolinks to Neck Ligatures on Nestlings," The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 121(2), 441-444, (1 June 2009). https://doi.org/10.1676/1559-4491-121.2.441

Received: 8 September 2008; Accepted: 1 January 2009; Published: 1 June 2009

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