La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	Relationships between tail-flicking, morphology, and body condition in Moorhens
Auteurs :	F. Alvarez, Auteur ; C. Sanchez, Auteur ; S. Angulo, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Journal of Field Ornithology (77(1) WIN 2006)
Article en page(s) :	1-6
Langues:	Anglais
Résumé :	Prey-predator communication of alertness has been reported for Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) and other species of birds. Because ability to flee is probably related to body condition, healthy potential prey may behave more conspicuously to send predators an unambiguous message. Moorhens have a contrasting rump patch that is flashed by rapid tail-flicking. During two winter months, we observed sex-related differences in the rare of tail-flicking. Females tail-flicked at a faster rate than males, and more vigilant and more symmetrical males tail-flicked faster. The rate of tail-flicking was negatively correlated to the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in both sexes and positively correlated to hematocrit and albumin/globulin ratio in females. These results Suggest that male and female Moorhens in better physical condition tail-flick at a faster rate and Support the pursuit deterrent hypothesis, with healthy individuals appearing to inform predators that they Would be difficult to capture.

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