Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) are responsible for most cases of usurpation of nests of Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus). However, little is known about how both species interact during reproduction. We studied territorial behaviour during the breeding season in four Bearded Vulture pairs in the eastern Pyrenees of northeastern Spain. Frequency of agonistic behavior was positively correlated with Griffon Vulture colony size. However, no significantly higher frequency of aggressive interactions was found that suggested actual competition for nest sites between these species. Nonetheless, Bearded Vulture pairs maintained a continuous defence of the area immediately surrounding their nests throughout the breeding season. Our data suggest that the Bearded Vulture's territorial behavior was more closely associated with defence of breeding space than with specific defence of actual nest sites.
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1 January 2002
Territorial behavior of Bearded Vultures in response to Griffon Vultures
Joan Bertran,
Antoni Margalida
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Journal of Field Ornithology
Vol. 73 • No. 1
January 2002
Vol. 73 • No. 1
January 2002
aggressive interactions
attacks
breeding space
competition
defence
Gypaetus barbatus
Gyps fulvus