Scottish racing pigeons killed by Peregrine Falcons<i>Falco peregrinus</i>: estimation of numbers from ring recoveries and Peregrine daily food intake

Parrott, Dave; Henderson, I.A.; Deppe, Carola; Whitfield, P. J.

doi:10.1080/00063650809461502

Cited by 11 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 10 publications

(11 reference statements)

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“…We suggest that the marked, apparently inefficient, variability in pigeon flight patterns may be explained within the context of predator defence. Homing pigeons are common targets for raptors [ 53 ], most notably peregrine falcons F. peregrinus , sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus and goshawks A. gentilis , with sources quoting losses during races of up to 23% due to peregrine falcons alone [ 54 ]. A study taking place in our study area recorded 15 attacks during 27 flights [ 50 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fine-scale changes in speed and altitude suggest protean movements in homing pigeon flights

et al. 2021

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The power curve provides a basis for predicting adjustments that animals make in flight speed, for example in relation to wind, distance, habitat foraging quality and objective. However, relatively few studies have examined how animals respond to the landscape below them, which could affect speed and power allocation through modifications in climb rate and perceived predation risk. We equipped homing pigeons ( Columba livia ) with high-frequency loggers to examine how flight speed, and hence effort, varies in relation to topography and land cover. Pigeons showed mixed evidence for an energy-saving strategy, as they minimized climb rates by starting their ascent ahead of hills, but selected rapid speeds in their ascents. Birds did not modify their speed substantially in relation to land cover, but used higher speeds during descending flight, highlighting the importance of considering the rate of change in altitude before estimating power use from speed. Finally, we document an unexpected variability in speed and altitude over fine scales; a source of substantial energetic inefficiency. We suggest this may be a form of protean behaviour adopted to reduce predation risk when flocking is not an option, and that such a strategy could be widespread.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fine-scale changes in speed and altitude suggest protean movements in homing pigeon flights

et al. 2021

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“…We suggest that the marked, apparently inefficient, variability in pigeon flight patterns may be explained within the context of predator defence. Homing pigeons are common targets for raptors [50], most notably peregrine falcons Falco peregrinus, sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus and goshawks Acclplter gentills, with sources quoting losses during races of up to 23% due to peregrine falcons alone [51]. A study taking place in our study area recorded 15 attacks during 27 flights [47], It is likely relevant that artificial selection by breeders can select for birds to fly faster, but cannot avoid selection pressures related to predators on their routes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fine-scale changes in speed and altitude suggest protean movements in homing pigeon flights

Garde

Wilson

Lempidakis

et al. 2021

Preprint

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The flight speeds that animals should adopt to minimise energy expenditure in different scenarios can be predicted by the curve of power against speed. However, relatively few studies have examined how animals respond to the landscape below them, which could affect speed through modifications in climb rate and perceived predation risk. We equipped homing pigeons (Columba livia) with high frequency loggers to examine how flight speed varies in relation to topography and land cover, predicting that these parameters may have a substantial impact on flight speed and hence cost. Pigeons showed mixed evidence for an energy saving strategy, as they minimised climb rates by starting their ascent ahead of hills, but selected rapid speeds in their ascents. Birds did not modify their speed substantially in relation to land cover, but higher speeds were observed during descending flight, highlighting the importance to consider the rate of change in altitude before estimating power use from speed. Finally, we document an unexpected variability in speed and altitude over fine scales; a source of substantial inefficiency. We suggest this may a form of protean behaviour adopted to reduce predation risk when flocking is not an option, and that such a strategy could be widespread.

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“…Thus, although we collected a high number of rings, we were unfortunately unable to calculate the proportion of the different pigeon types exactly (feral, racing, strays, or wild). Anyway, recent studies have demonstrated the strong limitations of using ring recoveries to evaluate the impact of peregrine kills on racing pigeons (Parrott et al 2008).…”

Section: Conservation Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of pigeon consumption in the population dynamics and breeding performance of a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) population: conservation implications

2008

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In this paper, we describe and analyze the diet of peregrine falcons during a long-term period . A combination of direct observations of prey brought to nests, prey remains, and regurgitated pellets were used to calculate diet diversity and dietary overlap between peregrine pairs. We also examined diet diversity in relation to breeding performance. All peregrine pairs fed mainly on birds, with pigeons the most common prey. An increase in pigeon availability has been associated with both an increase in population size and an increase in breeding performance (measured as the average productivity of pairs per year) of a small peregrine falcon population in eastern Spain. Average productivity was lower when dietary breadth was higher. We speculate that our results were the synergistic effect of declining persecution and increased pigeon availability through increased popularity of keeping racing pigeons. There is a conflict of interests between pigeon fanciers and peregrine conservation. As a consequence, this could result to an increased risk of mortality by direct persecution. In accordance with this, conservation measures aimed at preventing direct persecution are encouraged.

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Scottish racing pigeons killed by Peregrine FalconsFalco peregrinus: estimation of numbers from ring recoveries and Peregrine daily food intake

Cited by 11 publications

References 10 publications

Fine-scale changes in speed and altitude suggest protean movements in homing pigeon flights

Fine-scale changes in speed and altitude suggest protean movements in homing pigeon flights

Fine-scale changes in speed and altitude suggest protean movements in homing pigeon flights

The role of pigeon consumption in the population dynamics and breeding performance of a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) population: conservation implications

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