Foraging strategy of the black oyster catcher (Haematopus bachmani Audubon)
- 1 February 1976
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Canadian Science Publishing in Canadian Journal of Zoology
- Vol. 54 (2) , 142-155
- https://doi.org/10.1139/z76-015
Abstract
This study examines the foraging of black oyster catchers, Haematopus bachmani Audubon, in relation to a recent model of optimal foraging proposed by Royama in 1970. Diet is determined for three different feeding situations. Values were obtained for the parameters of Royama's model, and profitabilities were calculated for some prey in each of the three situations.A number of different hunting modes were exhibited on the feeding area. There was a tendency to select prey that were larger than average size. Mussels appeared to be most profitable and formed the greatest part of the diet in terms of weight. They occurred more frequently in the diet of chicks at the nest. Small items occurred more frequently in the diet of young after they were moved to the feeding area, and risks not considered in the model are thought to account for the change.This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Role of Time and Energy in Food PreferenceThe American Naturalist, 1966
- On Optimal Use of a Patchy EnvironmentThe American Naturalist, 1966