Falcons pursue prey using visual motion cues: new perspectives from animal-borne cameras

摘要: This study reports on experiments falcons wearing miniature videocameras mounted their backs or heads while pursuing flying prey. Videos of hunts by a gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus ), F. )/Saker falcon cherrug ) hybrids and peregrine peregrinus were analyzed to determine apparent prey positions visual fields during pursuits. These video data then interpreted using computer simulations pursuit steering laws observed in insects mammals. A comparison the empirical modeling indicates that use cues due motion falcon's field track capture via form camouflage. The also found maintain prey's image at angles consistent with shallow fovea. results should prove relevant for understanding co-evolution evasion, as well development models predation integration sensory locomotion systems biomimetic robots.