Offshore Flight of Buffleheads, Bucephala albeola, After Twilight in Winter: An Anti-Predation Tactic?

Authors

  • James K. Finley 10232 Summerset Place, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 4X2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v121i4.508

Keywords:

Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola, timing, crepuscular flight, anti-predation, predator avoidance behaviour, dual habitats, British Columbia

Abstract

In winter, on Vancouver Island, Buffleheads depart from coastal marine feeding habitat shortly after the onset of civil twilight. This precisely-timed phenomenon may have evolved in response to predation pressure from Peregrine Falcons, Falco peregrinus. The dual habitat requirements of Buffleheads in Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (1931) and Sidney Channel Important Bird Area are to be included within the proposed Gulf Islands National Marine Conservation Area.

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Issue

Vol. 121 No. 4 (2007)

Section

Articles

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