Territory size in Megaceryle alcyon along a stream habitat

Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) Science Article 1

abstract

Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) defend both breeding and nonbreeding territories. The small nonbreeding territories serve as feeding territories, and their size is inversely correlated to food abundance. In the breeding season, when nest sites are a limiting resource, territory size does not significantly correlate with food abundance. The average weight of fledglings/nest, however, is significantly correlated with territory size. In both seasons, kingfishers appear to use stream riffles as preferred foraging sites, although pools are more prevalent. Riffles may represent environmental cues by which individuals assess habitat quality.

William J. Davis, The Auk 99: 353-362. April 1982

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