How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2011 Interactions of Raptors and Lesser Prairie-Chickens at Leks in the Texas Southern High Plains
Adam C. Behney, Clint W. Boal, Heather A. Whitlaw, Duane R. Lucia
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

We examined behavioral interactions of raptors, Chihuahuan Ravens (Corvus cryptoleucus), and Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) at leks in the Texas Southern High Plains. Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) and Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) were the most common raptors observed at leks. Only 15 of 61 (25%) raptor encounters at leks (0.09/hr) resulted in a capture attempt (0.02/hr). Mean (± SD) time for Lesser Prairie-Chickens to return to lekking behavior following a raptor encounter was 4.2 ± 5.5 min suggesting the disturbance had little influence on lekking behaviors. Lesser Prairie-Chickens engaged in different escape behaviors depending on raptor species and, generally, did not respond to ravens suggesting they are able to assess different predation risks. The raptors in our study area posed little predation risk to lekking prairie-chickens. Behavioral disturbance at leks appears minimal due to the lack of successful predation events, low raptor encounter rates, and short time to return to lekking behavior.

Adam C. Behney, Clint W. Boal, Heather A. Whitlaw, and Duane R. Lucia "Interactions of Raptors and Lesser Prairie-Chickens at Leks in the Texas Southern High Plains," The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 123(2), 332-338, (1 June 2011). https://doi.org/10.1676/10-129.1
Received: 22 August 2010; Accepted: 1 January 2011; Published: 1 June 2011
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top