Intimidatory behaviour of nestling Bubo bengalensis to human intruders was investigated in five subjects. This disclosed a series of distinct behavioural unitsviz., hissing, ruffled plumage, bill clicking and the full intimidatory display -increasing in intensity from a crouched concealing posture and linked by short duration transition phases. Often no reaction to human presence was discernable. This was due to the effects of repeated stimulation/ of the parents' alarm calls/ developmental stage of the young. The rationale for these intensity types and behavioural patterns, with emphasis on motivational and phylogenetic elements has been discussed.
Intimidatory behaviour in adult Bubo bengalensis to human intruders in defence of their nest-bound young was documented in three pairs. This showed a series of distinct behavioural components that differed between the sexes. All these mechanisms had obvious purpose and survival value. However, little or no reactions to human intruders were recorded in one pair -the reasons of which are not discernable.
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