Predator-avoidance behaviour in a nocturnal petrel exposed to a novel predator

摘要: Many species of bird recognize acoustic and visual cues given by their predators have complex defence adaptations to reduce predation risk. Recognition threats posed specific specialized anti-predation behaviours are common. In this study we investigated predator recognition in a pelagic seabird, Leach's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa, at site where risk from Great Skuas Stercorarius skua is exceptionally high. Storm-petrels breed burrows come on land only night. Counter-predator were correlatively relation changing natural light levels night, experimentally nocturnal signals Skuas. Colony attendance was attuned changes conditions night highest when nights darkest. This behaviour likely land; however, not found. Storm-petrels, particular apparently non-breeding individuals, entirely naive the threat captured easily variety different ways, ground air. Lack behavioural against may be because spatial overlap breeding distributions these appears rare recent phenomenon.