The mantling behavior of Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) as a defensive strategy against pedestrians

Abstract:

A growing number of studies have shown increasing Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) populations in urban and suburban landscapes. When not breeding, this predator usually flees from humans when disturbed. Here, we describe a motionless mantling behavior of a Red-shouldered Hawk while feeding on an Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in an urban landscape in Gainesville, FL, USA. The adult hawk spread its wings and tail over the food item, likely as a defensive strategy to guard against loss of its prey, which may occur if the hawk takes flight. The mantling behavior challenges the economic hypothesis of optimal escape theory and suggests that adult hawks identify humans as a threat or even a competitor but not a predator. Also, the use of mantling behavior suggests that individuals adapt foraging behaviors under persistent human disturbances in urban habitats.

Año de publicación:

2021

Keywords:

• Defense
• Raptor
• humans
• urban
• Foraging strategy

Fuente:

scopus